The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development heartily congratulates a former Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Junaidu Maina and the Ag. Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Dr. Nick Nwankpa on their conferment of the prestigious 2026 WOAH Meritorious Award at the 93rd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates held on May 18, 2026, in Paris, France.
The awards were presented to the duo in recognition of their outstanding contributions to animal health, veterinary science, research, vaccine quality assurance, and institutional strengthening. It also reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership in animal health and livestock development under the current administration.
Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, addressed the Ministerial Roundtable at the 93rd World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) General Session, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector through strategic investments in animal health systems, veterinary services, and strengthened international collaboration in combating transboundary and zoonotic diseases.
He further advocated for the reinforcement of disease intelligence systems, early warning mechanisms, and enhanced surveillance frameworks as critical pillars of the One Health approach.
Discussions at the session also centred on coordinated global and regional strategies for the control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Present at the occasion were the Permanent Secretary Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, the incumbent Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, who all joined in celebrating this landmark global recognition.
Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations
22nd May, 2026
