NVMA urges implementation of 65-year retirement age for veterinarians, others

Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, (NVMA) has called on the Federal Government to implement the 65-year retirement age for veterinarians and all other healthcare workers in the country.

This was even as the association urged all governors to ensure domestication of the new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, FMLD to strengthen livestock governance in all the states of the federation.

The NVMA President, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, made the appeals in his key policy proposals at the just concluded 61st Annual National Congress held in Jalingo, Taraba State, where the congress approved a minimum salary of Ñ200,000 for veterinarians in private hospitals and clinics nationwide with a view to “restoring the dignity of veterinary practice and ensuring professional welfare aligns with national standards.”

Arokoyo also urged the government to declare a state of emergency on abattoirs, insisting that all slaughter operations should be conducted under proper veterinary supervision to protect public health.

He lamented the underutilization of Nigeria’s vast livestock resources — estimated at over 400 million animals — due to inadequate veterinary presence at the grassroots, with many local government areas lacking resident veterinarians. “Animal health is the foundation of food security and public health. Yet we are losing billions to preventable diseases. If properly harnessed, veterinary services can generate billions in GDP and create sustainable rural livelihoods,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State, Dr. Jonathan Wasa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, underscored the inseparable link between animal health, food safety, and economic resilience.

He outlined Niger State’s progress in transforming the livestock sector — including the employment of 21 veterinarians and 27 technologists, the launch of Pasture and Grazing Reserve Development Programme, and the introduction of the Veterinary Inspection Permit and Trade Animal Movement Security, VIPTAMS system for disease traceability and livestock movement control.

“Healthy animals mean healthy people and a healthy economy. Our goal is to integrate animal, human, and environmental health — the true spirit of the One Health approach,” Bago said.

The governor encouraged veterinarians to take leadership positions in policy, governance, and investment, saying the profession has “the expertise and credibility to drive sustainable growth in agriculture and food security.”

The three-day Congress, themed: “Animal Health, Food Safety and Security: Ensuring a Healthy and Productive Nigeria,” brought together hundreds of delegates from veterinary experts and researchers to policymakers, private sector players, and students — to rethink the future of livestock management and public health.

In the communique signed by Dr. Grace Sabo Nok (Chairman), Dr. Abdulkadeer Umar Baba (Secretary), and Dr. James Clinton Shawulu (Member), the association pledged to champion policies that ensure safe food, healthy animals, and a resilient economy. “We move forward united in purpose, driven by science, and committed to a healthier, safer, and more productive Nigeria,” the communique stated.