The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector by increasing the nation’s animal vaccine production capacity to 1.2 billion doses annually.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known during a working visit to the Nigerian Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, as part of his ongoing inspection of key livestock development facilities across the country.
Speaking during the visit, the Minister described that NVRI, was established in 1924, as a leading institution in animal vaccine research and production. He noted that the Institute’s centenary celebration underscores its enduring contributions to livestock development and its status as a centre of excellence in veterinary research in Nigeria.
Maiha stated that the Federal Government is determined to reduce the country’s dependence on imported animal vaccines through increased local production and enhanced livestock health security.
“We have chosen NVRI because it remains the champion of livestock vaccine production in Nigeria. We are relying on the Institute to significantly expand its production capacity to meet national demand and serve the wider West African market,” the Minister said.
He added that the Ministry’s visit was aimed at identifying practical solutions to challenges within the livestock sector and repositioning the Institute for greater impact.
“Nigeria is blessed with vast land resources and abundant human capital. With the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are committed to repositioning NVRI to meet the growing needs of the livestock industry. Our vision extends beyond Nigeria to the entire West African region,” he added.
The Minister further expressed , concern over the nation’s annual expenditure of more than $3 billion on the importation of vaccines and dairy products, emphasizing the need to maximize local capacity and develop homegrown solutions capable of transforming the livestock industry.
In his welcome address, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of NVRI, Dr. Nicholas Nwakpa, highlighted the Institute’s achievements over the past century and its continued commitment to research, innovation, and vaccine production.
Dr. Nwakpa informed the Minister that in the first quarter of 2026 alone, the Institute produced over 20 million doses of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccines and more than 15 million doses of bacterial vaccines, demonstrating its growing capacity and drive toward world-class research and development.
Also speaking at the event, Professor Lami Lombin commended the Institute for its remarkable contributions to veterinary medicine and encouraged it to further increase production capacity to align with global best practices.
She noted that strengthening local vaccine production is essential to ensuring that Nigeria’s veterinary sector remains competitive and responsive to modern realities.
Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations Department
19 June 2026
