Minister of Livestock Development Visits NVRI, Calls for Increased Vaccine Production and Livestock-Led Job Creation

Minister of Livestock Development Visits NVRI, Calls for Increased Vaccine Production and Livestock-Led Job Creation

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing the livestock sector as a strategic avenue for job creation, economic growth, and national development.

The Minister made this known during a one-day working visit to the headquarters of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, where he interacted with management and staff of the Institute and inspected ongoing activities.

Addressing staff at the Institute’s main auditorium, Alhaji Mukhtar emphasized the need for increased local production of veterinary vaccines, noting that NVRI possesses the expertise, infrastructure, and human resources necessary to meet national demand and strengthen Nigeria’s livestock industry.

He stressed that expanding local vaccine production would contribute significantly to livestock health, food security, economic growth, and employment generation across the livestock value chain.

The Minister commended the Acting Director/Chief Executive of NVRI, Dr. Nick Nwankpa, for his leadership and described the Institute as a national asset whose relevance has continued to grow over the past century.

He further highlighted the potential of strategic investments in livestock infrastructure and value addition projects to create employment opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians, while stimulating economic activities in rural communities.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Nwankpa expressed appreciation for the Minister’s visit and described it as a significant engagement with the pioneer leadership of the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

The Acting Director/Chief Executive disclosed that NVRI has produced over 20 million doses of vaccines in the current year and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to advancing animal health, veterinary research, and vaccine production in support of national development goals.

The visit also afforded the Minister the opportunity to assess preparations for the Institute’s forthcoming centenary celebration, which will commemorate 100 years of contributions to veterinary research, disease control, livestock development, and food security in Nigeria.

The event was attended by senior management staff, distinguished guests, and stakeholders, including former Executive Director of NVRI, Professor Lami Lombin, whose contributions to the growth and transformation of the Institute were specially acknowledged.