The Federal Government has intensified efforts to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector with the rollout of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS), an initiative designed to drive productivity, improve animal health, and strengthen rural livelihoods.

   Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi mukhtar Maiha, represented by Director, Animal Health and Reproductive Service,Dr. Mitchell Alao stated this during the handover of a newly constructed and equipped Primary Animal Health Centre, Ijebu Igbo,Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State. 

   He emphasized that animal health remains a critical pillar of the programme, alongside modern practices such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and improved breeding techniques aimed at increasing meat and milk production.

   Micha explained that while advancements in breeding are essential, they could not deliver optimal results without a strong animal healthcare system, pointing out that  a total of 774 clinics are to be constructed,one in each local government area across the country to ensure livestock farmers have easy access to veterinary services within their communities,out of which some had already been completed and inspected, with some ready for commissioning.

   “These clinics are not just structures; they are strategic investments in the future of livestock production across the country,” he said.

The Minister noted,  that the uniform design of  facilities across the country will guarantee standard service delivery , adding that the handover ceremony marks a significant transition, as ownership, control, and management of the facilities are officially transferred from the Federal Government to state governments,  to ensure effective management, sustainability, and long-term impact.

He said that the state veterinary departments under their respective Ministries of Agriculture would now be responsible for staffing, operations, maintenance, and security of the clinics.

highlighting that the initiative would enhance disease surveillance, prevention, and control, while also boosting livestock productivity and improving the livelihoods of rural farmers. 

   He further stressed the importance of ownership by state governments, noting that taking responsibility for the facilities would encourage better management and overall success of the NLGAS framework , signaling  a renewed commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s livestock industry and ensuring food security.

 In his acceptance speech, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo,represented by the deputy Director Veterinary services ,Dr. Tade Adeniyi reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to sustaining the newly handed-over facility, describing the development as a clear recognition of the state's role in advancing livestock services and animal health management.

   Owotomo noted that the project reflects the collective contributions of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, state Ministry of agricultural and food security and other stakeholders working to reposition the sector

   Addressing staff deployed to the facility, he emphasized that their duties go beyond routine duties, stressing that safeguarding animal health and protecting public health must remain top priority

   The Commissioner further explained that veterinary practice was not limited to treatment alone ,but also encompasses disease prevention, improved livestock productivity, and the protection of farmers livelihoods. urging veterinary doctors, technologists, and laboratory assistants to demonstrate empathy and dedication in handling animals and engaging with livestock farmers,

      He promised that  the facility would be effectively used to deliver maximum impact, noting that deliberate efforts would be made to keep the facility functional, productive, and beneficial by strengthening disease surveillance systems, promoting biosecurity practices, enhancing public awareness, and improving service delivery in animal healthcare.

  Earlier in her welcome address , the State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ayo- Ajayi , disclosed that the center is equipped with modern facilities, including a hydraulic surgical table,Examination table, incubator , water sterilizer, incinerator, kernel, drawer cabinet ,and a generator, among others.