The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), in partnership with F&A Engineering Construction Links Limited, recently organised a national stakeholders consultative meeting in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
The event aimed to encourage stakeholders to prioritise animal welfare during emergencies and disasters to prevent losses, which will ultimately promote national food security and wealth creation.
During the meeting, the director of veterinary and pests control services/ Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), Dr. Musa Inuwa emphasised the importance of creating a platform for stakeholder engagement and interaction to implement policies regarding the general care of animals during emergencies and disaster situations. He also urged stakeholders to become credible animal welfare ambassadors within their respective fields.
The head of the quality assurance and standards division (QAS) of the department of veterinary & pest control services, Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinlorun explained that the department recognised the need to develop a response strategy for animals during emergencies and disasters.
The national president of the Nigerian Veterinary Association, Dr. Oluwatoyin Adetuberu, stressed the significance of rescuing and rehabilitating animals during disasters and emergencies. She also called on the Federal Government to establish committees that would involve veterinarians and animal health components in rescue and emergency efforts.
The FMARD is committed to implementing global best practices in Nigeria’s animal welfare strategy in line with guidelines and standards provided by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The National Stakeholders Consultative meeting served as a medium for creating awareness of good animal welfare practices and encouraging stakeholders to prioritise animal welfare during emergencies and disasters to prevent losses.
