The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association in Kogi State has called on the state government to employ a minimum of two veterinary doctors per Local Government Area to enhance rabies surveillance and the One Health response. This appeal was made by the Chairman of the association, Dr. Tolu Omotugba, during a news conference in Lokoja to mark the 2026 World Rabies Day. Kogi, with 21 LGAs, a significant dog population, and porous borders, is considered a high-risk area for rabies.
According to Dr. Omotugba, rabies is a disease that is 99.9% fatal once symptoms appear but 100% preventable. He emphasized that the current number of veterinary officers in the state civil service, approximately 28 to 30, is grossly inadequate. Many LGAs lack the presence of a veterinary officer, and the association is suggesting a minimum of two per LGA to ensure disease reporting and public health safety.
Dr. Omotugba cited the example of Bassa LGA in Plateau State, which lost 12 lives, including a family of three, to rabies in 2025. He stressed that a single dog bite or scratch can have devastating consequences, underscoring the need for urgent action. The 2026 theme, "Stronger Together," highlights the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health, Environment, Education, and Livestock, as well as veterinary and medical doctors, environmental health officers, and community leaders.
The association commended the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, for targeting 70% annual dog vaccination and zero human deaths by 2030. In 2025, 26,000 doses were deployed to eight high-risk states, and the FCT recently launched the vaccination of 20,000 dogs. However, Dr. Omotugba noted that Kogi still relies on outdated laws, including the Rabies Act of 1935 and the Dogs Law, Cap 36 of Northern Nigeria.
Dr. Omotugba emphasized that these outdated laws are inadequate for modern population management and enforcement. He stated that less than 5% of dogs in Lokoja, Okene, Anyigba, and Ankpa are licensed. To address this, the association is urging the state government to domesticate the Kogi State Rabies Control and Responsible Dog Ownership Bill 2026, which would make annual vaccination compulsory, establish a dog registry, and stipulate penalties for stray dogs.
The association is also calling for a dedicated budget line for rabies under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project to support free mass vaccination, sensitization, and post-exposure prophylaxis in state hospitals. Additionally, they propose the creation of a Kogi One Health Rabies Task Force. Dr. Omotugba concluded by expressing the association's goal for Kogi to become the first state in the North-Central region to be rabies-free.
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association in Kogi State is taking a proactive approach to addressing the rabies challenge. By engaging with the state government and stakeholders, they aim to create a comprehensive strategy for rabies control and prevention. The association's efforts are geared towards ensuring a safer and healthier environment for the people of Kogi State.
Key points
- The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association in Kogi State has urged the state government to employ more veterinary doctors to strengthen rabies surveillance and response.
- The association is pushing for the domestication of the Kogi State Rabies Control and Responsible Dog Ownership Bill 2026 to make annual vaccination compulsory and establish a dog registry.
- The association aims for Kogi to become the first state in the North-Central region to be rabies-free.
