NVMA Decries Veterinary Clinics’ Poor Conditions in Anambra, Demands Urgent Govt Intervention

By Praise Chinecherem

The Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Anambra State Chapter, has raised the alarm over what it described as the deplorable state of government-owned veterinary clinics across the state, warning that the neglect poses a serious threat to animal health, food safety, and livestock productivity.

The association called on the Anambra State Government to immediately renovate dilapidated veterinary facilities, recruit more veterinary personnel, provide essential drugs and diagnostic equipment, and strengthen operational support for veterinary services.

The appeal formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the Anambra Livestock Expo 2026, held at the Nnewi North Local Government Secretariat under the theme, “Ensuring and Sustaining the Availability of Animal Protein in the Diet of Our Local Communities.”

The communiqué, signed by the State Chairman, Dr. Victor Ughaerumba, and Assistant Secretary, Dr. Favour Okwaraeke, also urged the government to establish modern abattoirs fitted with standard slaughter facilities, cold-chain systems, proper waste management infrastructure, and efficient veterinary meat inspection services.

According to the association, these measures are critical to improving public health, food safety, and the quality of animal products consumed by residents.

The veterinarians further appealed for the provision of operational vehicles to enable them to effectively carry out disease surveillance, emergency response, livestock extension services, and other statutory responsibilities across the state.

“Operational vehicles will strengthen our capacity to support the government in promoting animal health, safeguarding public health, ensuring food safety, and improving livestock productivity,” the communiqué stated.

In a major policy recommendation, the association renewed its call for the creation of a Ministry of Veterinary Services and Livestock Development in Anambra State, arguing that the sector requires dedicated institutional attention to unlock its economic potential.

The NVMA said a standalone ministry would provide the framework for focused planning, increased funding, effective policy implementation, innovation, research, and sustainable livestock development.

“We’ve been engaging government officials on the need to establish a Ministry of Veterinary Services and Livestock Development to drive increased livestock production, enhance disease surveillance, and strengthen animal disease control,” the association said.

It noted that the existing structure places greater emphasis on crop production while livestock development, veterinary public health, disease control, and animal welfare receive comparatively less attention.

“Livestock production and disease control deserve stronger recognition because of their direct impact on nutrition, food security, public health, and economic development,” the communiqué added.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture, State Chairman, Dr. Victor Ughaerumba, expressed optimism that creating a dedicated ministry would mark a turning point for the livestock industry.

He said the move would stimulate economic growth, improve livestock production, strengthen disease control mechanisms, and create greater income opportunities for poultry farmers and other livestock producers across the state.