Kogi govt launches mass vaccination drive against transboundary animal diseases

The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience (Kogi L-PRES) Project, in collaboration with Kogi Ministry of Livestock Development, has launched a mass vaccination exercise against Trans boundary Animal Diseases (TADs).

Olufemi Bolarin, commissioner for Livestock Development, disclosed during stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Lokoja, that the initiative aims to safeguard anal health, strengthen livestock productivity and enhance food security in the state.

The meeting brought together stakeholders, including farmers, veterinarians, animal scientists, traditional rulers, security agencies and others, to discuss strategies for the vaccination drive.

The commissioner urged farmers, cattle breeders, and pastoralists to support the vaccination drive being administered freely to the livestock in the state.

“We have done it before, and we can do it again,” he said, referencing Kogi’s previous success in animal vaccination.

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He emphasised that the vaccines are free, and assured that the government would ensure security for vaccinators.

The Commissioner urged the locals to provide security for vaccination teams, saying “we need your cooperation and support”.

Bolarin acknowledged potential challenges, including security risks and difficult terrain, but emphasized the importance of the exercise for humanity, Nigeria, and Kogi State.

Abudlkabir Pnonuoyiza Otaru, the State Project Coordinator (SPC) of Kogi L-PRES Project, said the project is working across Nigeria to address TADs, with Kogi State being a key focus area, noting that the exercise aims to reduce disease burden, improve livestock productivity, and enhance socio -economic wellbeing.

“We believe that by addressing this issue, we can enhance livestock productivity, commercialization, and the standard of living of farmers,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of collective action, strong coordination, and sustained stakeholder collaboration in controlling TADs.

Abdulsalam Hadi, acting permanent secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, said the exercise was a collective effort to combat diseases like Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and Newcastle Disease.

He commended the Federal Government for donating vaccines and urged stakeholders to support the initiative.

“This meeting is timely and strategic, bringing together critical stakeholders to align efforts towards safeguarding animal health and strengthening livestock productivity,” Hadi said.

Shaibu Egwu, Director of Veterinary Services, Kogi Ministry of Livestock Development, presented an overview of TADs.

He said: “The vaccines include 200,000 Doses of CBPP vaccines, and 3,000 Doses of Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines (FMDV) for cattle, and 30,000 Doses of Newcastle Disease vaccines (NCDV) for poultry”.

He also said that the vaccines would be administered to livestock clusters across the state between February 18 to March 13, 2026.

Tolu Omotugba, chairman of NVMA, Kogi State Chapter, highlighted the grave effects of TADs, including reduced animal production, increased mortality, trade restrictions, and economic losses, as he emphasized that the mass vaccination exercise is a big intervention that will help reduce insecurity in the state.

Felix Eneche, Representative of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, stressed the need for good welfare packages for workers carrying out the vaccination exercise, citing the risks they face, as he urged livestock marketers and producers to cooperate with animal scientists and doctors.

Emmanuel Bayode, Commander Agro-Rangers, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), urged herders and farmers to provide credible information to security agents to ensure their safety and a successful vaccination exercise.

Ibrahim Gambo Kabir, the Maigari of Lokoja, represented by Musa Bala, commended the state government and stakeholders for the initiative, promising full support for the exercise.

Suleiman Abubakar, Secretary Miyetti Allah Association; and Musa Ibrahim, Chairman Livestock Farmers Clusters, Lokoja, also commended the government and stakeholders, assuring adequate protection for vaccinators.

The stakeholders emphasized that the exercise would reduce mortality among animals and improve productivity, and urged the government to ensure security measures are in place for vaccinators.