Veterinarians Demand ₦200,000 Minimum Salary, Decry Poor Use of 400 Million Livestock Resources

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has called for a minimum salary of ₦200,000 for veterinarians working in private hospitals and clinics across the country.

The demand was made during the association’s 61st Annual National Congress and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Jalingo, Taraba State, where veterinarians gathered to discuss the future of livestock and public health in Nigeria.

In a communiqué signed by the NVMA President, members resolved that the new wage structure would promote professional equity and improve welfare for veterinarians nationwide.

The three-day congress, themed “Animal Health, Food Safety and Security: Ensuring a Healthy and Productive Nigeria,” drew participants from government, academia, and the private sector. Discussions centered on strengthening animal health systems, reforming food safety standards, and improving veterinary governance across all levels.

Dr. Arokoyo, who presented one of the key policy papers, said the proposed ₦200,000 minimum wage was aimed at restoring the dignity of the profession. He lamented that Nigeria’s vast livestock resources, estimated at over 400 million animals, remain grossly underutilized due to inadequate veterinary presence at the grassroots.

“Animal health is the backbone of food security and public health,” he said. “We are losing billions to preventable animal diseases. With proper veterinary services, this sector can significantly boost Nigeria’s GDP and provide sustainable jobs, especially in rural communities.”

The NVMA also urged the Federal Government to implement the 65-year retirement age policy for all health professionals, including veterinarians. The association further appealed to state governments to domesticate the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) to enhance livestock governance nationwide.

Additionally, the association called for a state of emergency on abattoirs, insisting that all slaughter operations must be carried out under veterinary supervision to protect public health.

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

He noted that Niger State has made progress in livestock development by employing 21 veterinarians and 27 technologists, launching a pasture and grazing reserve programme, and introducing the Veterinary Inspection Permit and Trade Animal Movement Security (VIPTAMS) system to monitor animal health and movement.

Governor Bago emphasized the “One Health” principle, integrating animal, human, and environmental health, as key to achieving national productivity.

The Congress also inaugurated an NVMA Think Tank to develop a strategic roadmap for the profession’s future in education, research, and policy development.

In a symbolic gesture, the NVMA unveiled its new lapel pin and slogan: “Veterinarians: Safeguarding Animal and Public Health,” reaffirming its commitment to national health and food security.