The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), backed by the World Bank, has organized a capacity-building programmed for more than 80 veterinarians, para-veterinarians, and community animal health workers on advanced strategies for detecting, controlling, and eradicating livestock diseases.
The training, which drew participants from the 36 states and the FCT, also focused on awareness creation, risk management and strengthening national response to livestock diseases.
Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator (NPC) of L-PRES, said on Friday in Abuja that the workshop brought together a crucial group of frontline professionals whose work directly impacts livestock health and productivity nationwide.
Abubakar, represented by Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, National Animal Health Specialist of L-PRES, said the exercise was aligned with the Project Development Objective (PDO) of improving productivity and commercialisation of targeted value chain production systems.
He added that it was also aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to respond effectively to crises in the livestock sector.
“Importantly, this workshop falls squarely within the scope of Sub-Component Three of the L-PRES Project Appraisal Document, which focuses on animal health services,” he said.
According to him, the component covers antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control, vaccination against transboundary animal diseases (TADs), border surveillance, private veterinary service delivery, strengthening One Health platforms and improving the national laboratory network.
He explained that the workshop was designed to equip participants with modern disease detection and containment skills, enhance diagnostic capacity, improve collaboration among professionals, and promote community engagement in livestock disease control.
Abubakar commended the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development for its strong partnership and policy support, noting that participants should use the workshop as a platform for professional development and knowledge sharing.
Mohammad said each state and the FCT nominated a veterinary doctor and a para-veterinarian for the training.
He added that the aim was to boost their capacity in disease detection, surveillance, prevention and risk communication at the local level.
He stressed that tackling animal health challenges is essential to reducing mortality, boosting productivity, and ensuring the resilience of Nigeria’s livestock sector.