Minister Idi Maiha inaugurates 33-man taskforce to protect livestock against disease outbreaks

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, yesterday, moved to protect goats and sheep against pests with the inauguration of has a 33-member National Technical Working Group, TWG, on the control and eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants, PPR, across the country.
The move is part of the Ministry’s efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s sheep and goat population and strengthen the livestock sector.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, described PPR as one of the most devastating transboundary animal diseases affecting small ruminants in Nigeria and other endemic countries.
Maiha noted that beyond its impact on animal health, PPR poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of pastoralists and smallholder farmers, undermines national food and nutrition security, and restricts trade in livestock and livestock products.
He emphasized that sheep and goats play a critical role in the socio-economic wellbeing of women, youth, and vulnerable rural households, serving as reliable sources of income, nutrition, and financial security.
He said: “Controlling and ultimately eradicating PPR is not only a veterinary necessity but an economic, social, and developmental priority for our nation.”
The Minister explained that PPR eradication aligns with Nigeria’s goals of economic diversification, poverty reduction, youth and women empowerment, and expansion of regional and international livestock trade.
Meanwhile, he urged members of the TWG to discharge their responsibilities with commitment and professionalism, assuring them of the Ministry’s full policy and institutional support.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, described the TWG as a vital mechanism for translating policy into concrete action and ensuring that Nigeria’s PPR control programme is technically robust, coordinated, and sustainable.
Represented by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, CVON, Dr Samuel Anzaku, the Permanent Secretary outlined the TWG’s mandate to include providing technical oversight for PPR prevention, control, and eradication; supporting the development and implementation of the National PPR Control and Eradication Roadmap; strengthening surveillance, vaccination, diagnostics, and data management systems; and enhancing collaboration among federal and state institutions, research bodies, the private sector, and development partners.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Animal Health and Reproductive Services, Dr Michael Mitchell, said the inauguration marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen animal health systems and tackle PPR, which continues to threaten livestock production and rural livelihoods.
The inauguration ceremony also had attendance representatives of research institutions, veterinary hospitals, development partners, livestock farmers, private sector operators, and other key stakeholders.