The Veterinary Council of Nigeria has highlighted the significant challenges hindering the country's efforts to eradicate rabies. According to the Acting Registrar of the council, Dr. Oladokun Fadipe, the major impediments include a paucity of funds, inadequate collaboration, a dearth of manpower, and insufficient facilities and vaccines. These challenges were emphasized during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on September 28, 2026, in commemoration of World Rabies Day.
World Rabies Day, marked annually on September 28, aims to raise awareness about rabies prevention and highlight progress in defeating the disease. The theme for 2026 is "Stronger Together". Dr. Fadipe stressed that the government must dedicate adequate resources to mobilize personnel for mass vaccination of dogs nationwide. He suggested that once the government achieves mass vaccination in one year, dog owners will subsequently have a duty to present their animals for routine vaccination, with sanctions for non-compliance.
Dr. Fadipe expressed concern over the inadequate manpower and facilities to attend to persons bitten by rabid dogs. He disclosed that only 12,700 veterinarians are registered in the country, while registered para-veterinarians are fewer than 10,000, against an estimated 50,000. The Acting Registrar noted that only a few veterinarians were in government service, while the majority were in the private sector and others outside the country, describing the number in public service as grossly inadequate for the 2030 eradication target.
The Veterinary Council of Nigeria is advocating for the recruitment of more personnel, upgrading of facilities, and boosting the capacity of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) to produce adequate vaccines to meet national demand. Dr. Fadipe emphasized that government support is crucial to address the shortage of manpower and facilities. He suggested a Public-Private Partnership to involve private practitioners in the vaccination process.
Dr. Fadipe urged stakeholders to desist from working in silos and embrace collaboration to achieve the goal of rabies eradication. He described the commemoration as a season of collaboration, not competition, in line with the 2026 theme. The Acting Registrar emphasized the importance of responsible dog ownership and encouraged dog owners to present their dogs for free vaccination when opportunities arise.
The Veterinary Council of Nigeria is working with various stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, especially the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, to achieve the goal of rabies eradication. Dr. Fadipe stressed the need for continued media advocacy and sensitization of people to achieve 100 percent eradication.
The eradication of rabies in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach, including government support, collaboration among stakeholders, and responsible dog ownership. The Veterinary Council of Nigeria is committed to working with various stakeholders to achieve this goal. Key to this effort is the mass vaccination of dogs, which will require adequate resources and manpower.
Key points
- The Veterinary Council of Nigeria has identified lack of funds, manpower, and facilities as major impediments to rabies eradication.
- The council is advocating for the recruitment of more personnel, upgrading of facilities, and boosting the capacity of the National Veterinary Research Institute to produce adequate vaccines.
- The eradication of rabies in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach, including government support, collaboration among stakeholders, and responsible dog ownership.
