Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has expressed the readiness of the Federal Government in investing in veterinary business in the country.

Osinbajo, made this known at the 55th Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Annual Conference in Sokoto.

The Vice President who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health, Alhaji Abdulaziz Mashi said the move would help the government tap into maximum economic potential in the sector.

“Let me express my deep appreciation of the ingenuity displayed by our veterinarians, some of them have transformed to successful entrepreneurs and have created jobs for thousands of Nigerians.

“These were achieved through the establishment of small and medium scale veterinary related businesses including pharmaceutical companies, livestock and poultry farms, diagnostic laboratories, feed mills, clinics and meat and milk processing plants.” He said.

Osinbajo noted that Bank of Industry (BOI) initiatives and other related programmes of the Federal Government had served as successful platforms for veterinary graduates in entrepreneurial and skills development programmes.

He urged the States and local governments to continue to employ veterinarians into their various services assured that the governments was committed to giving legal backing to veterinary practices in the country.

“In addition, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is supporting the passage of a Bill for an Act to amend the Animal Diseases (Control) Act Cap A17 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Similarly, another Bill (Veterinary Teaching Hospital (Establishment) and other related matters) has been submitted to the National Assembly.

“We are optimistic that the National Assembly would expedite action on the Bills and pass them into law to provide more legal frameworks for veterinary practice in the country. He explained

In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, affirmed that the government constructed five primary animal health centres, veterinary teaching hospitals and other projects to complement veterinary programmes.

Source: AgroNigeria