Kaduna, Nigeria — 16 October 2025
To ensure that Nigeria’s veterinary sector keeps pace with modern realities and international best practices, stakeholders across the public, private, and academic sectors convened for a three-day review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. The review aimed to update, harmonise, and strengthen the legal framework governing veterinary practice, ensuring the inclusion of veterinary paraprofessionals and community animal health workers (CAHWs) in a way that promotes efficiency, accountability, and sustainability within the animal health ecosystem.
“A modernised Veterinary Act is central to Nigeria’s livestock transformation journey,” said Dr Adiya Ode, Team Lead/Political Director, Propcom+. “By creating an inclusive and well-regulated environment, we are laying the foundation for improved animal health services, safer food systems, and stronger rural livelihoods.”
The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), supported by Propcom+, brought together over 35 participants, including deans of veterinary faculties, directors of veterinary services from key states, representatives of veterinary associations, and legal and academic experts, for an intensive technical session. Professor Lombin Lami, Chairperson of the Veterinary Act Review Committee, chaired the event, which was moderated by Professor Caleb Kudi of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Revisiting an Outdated Act for a Modern Sector
The Veterinary Surgeons Act, which regulates the registration, training, and professional conduct of veterinary surgeons in Nigeria, has remained largely unchanged for decades. Stakeholders agreed that it no longer reflects the current realities of veterinary practice, leaving significant gaps in regulation, weak institutional structures, and insufficient coverage for paraprofessionals.
“The Act must evolve to reflect the diversity of today’s animal health workforce,” noted Dr. Samuel Anzaku, the incoming Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria. “From veterinarians to paraprofessionals and CAHWs, every practitioner plays a role in strengthening animal health and food security.”
Participants worked in groups to review various sections of the Act, covering institutional arrangements, professional governance, licensing and inspection, animal welfare, and enforcement. Discussions were robust, highlighting the need for clarity on biosecurity standards, professional accountability, and technology-driven disease reporting systems.
Harmonising Group Discussions
At the end of the group discussions, participants reached consensus on several fronts, including:
- Recognising paraprofessionals and CAHWs within the regulatory framework.
- Aligning the Act with international animal health and biosecurity standards.
- Strengthening enforcement mechanisms and accountability structures.
- Emphasising professional ethics and continuous education as prerequisites for practice.
The meeting concluded with a validation of key recommendations and agreement that the draft bill, reflecting all stakeholder inputs, would be forwarded to the Review Committee for final adjustments and legislative consultation.
A Systemic Step Forward
The review represents a critical step toward a more coherent, professional, and equitable animal health ecosystem. Once enacted, the revised Veterinary Surgeons Act will empower veterinary institutions, enhance rural veterinary services, and recognize the crucial role of paraprofessionals and CAHWs in extending animal health coverage to underserved communities.
Propcom+ remains committed to supporting policy reform, institutional strengthening, and market systems approaches that make Nigeria’s livestock sector more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
