The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) has urged government institutions, communities, development partners, the private sector, and stakeholders to work together to eliminate rabies in Nigeria. This call was made during the 2026 World Rabies Day commemoration in Abuja, with the theme "Stronger Together: Ending Rabies in Nigeria." The ministry emphasized the need for sustained efforts beyond just a one-day event.
According to Dr. Samuel Akawu Anzaku, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria and Director, Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, rabies remains a significant public health concern despite being preventable and vaccine-preventable. Nigeria aims to join the global effort to eliminate rabies by 2030. Dr. Anzaku stressed that public awareness should translate into practical interventions, particularly through mass dog vaccination.
Dr. Anzaku advised dog owners to ensure their animals are regularly vaccinated and encouraged anyone bitten or exposed to a suspected rabid animal to report to the nearest health or veterinary facility. This, he believes, will help prevent the spread of the disease. The ministry and stakeholders are working to raise awareness and promote responsible dog ownership.
Dr. George Uzaga Onyemaokwu, National Coordinator, Rabies Control Programme in Nigeria, disclosed that Nigeria continues to record cases of rabies across the country. Reports have been received from 18 to 20 states in recent months, with over 100 cases recorded between January and August 2026. This highlights the need for sustained efforts to control the spread of the disease.
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has commenced mass dog vaccination across rural communities in the FCT. The Association's Chairperson, Dr. Chinnemeka Joe, representing the National President, Dr. Moses Arokoju, emphasized the importance of responsible dog ownership and vaccination. The NVMA is working to support the government's efforts to eliminate rabies.
Stakeholders, including the ministry and NVMA, are calling on Nigerians to practise responsible dog ownership, vaccinate their dogs, and report dog-bite incidents promptly. They stress that sustained collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors is essential to achieving Nigeria's goal of eliminating rabies by 2030.
The commemoration of World Rabies Day in Nigeria serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to eliminate the disease. The ministry and stakeholders will continue to work together to raise awareness, promote vaccination, and prevent the spread of rabies. By working together, Nigeria can achieve its goal of eliminating rabies by 2030.
Key points
- The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development calls for collaboration to eliminate rabies in Nigeria by 2030.
- Nigeria has recorded over 100 cases of rabies between January and August 2026.
- The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association has commenced mass dog vaccination across rural communities in the FCT.
