ABUJA, Nigeria — Stakeholders in Nigeria’s livestock sector have called for the integration of private veterinary laboratories into the country’s animal disease surveillance system, saying the move would strengthen early detection, improve response efforts and reduce the impact of livestock disease outbreaks.
The stakeholders made the call during discussions on improving animal health management, stressing that stronger collaboration between government agencies and private veterinary laboratories would enhance disease monitoring and support more effective control measures across the livestock industry.
According to industry experts, integrating private laboratories into the national surveillance framework would expand diagnostic capacity, accelerate the reporting of suspected outbreaks and provide livestock farmers with faster access to reliable testing services. They noted that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious animal diseases.
Participants also highlighted the importance of adopting a coordinated approach involving veterinary professionals, research institutions, livestock producers and regulatory agencies. They argued that improved information sharing and laboratory networking would enable authorities to identify disease threats more quickly and implement timely containment measures.
The stakeholders observed that recurring livestock disease outbreaks continue to affect food security, agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of farmers across the country. They said strengthening surveillance systems would help reduce economic losses while improving public confidence in Nigeria’s livestock value chain.
Experts further recommended increased investment in veterinary infrastructure, laboratory accreditation, professional training and digital reporting systems to support a more efficient national animal health programme. They emphasised that both public and private institutions have important roles to play in protecting the country’s livestock resources.
They also called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments in implementing disease surveillance policies and ensuring that laboratory services are accessible to livestock producers nationwide. Improved coordination, they said, would enhance preparedness for emerging and transboundary animal diseases.
Stakeholders maintained that integrating private veterinary laboratories into national surveillance efforts would complement existing government facilities rather than replace them, creating a broader network capable of responding more effectively to disease outbreaks.
They expressed optimism that greater public-private collaboration would strengthen Nigeria’s veterinary services, improve animal health management and contribute to sustainable livestock production. The stakeholders urged policymakers to consider reforms that promote inclusive participation in disease surveillance while maintaining quality standards and regulatory oversight.
