Nigeria to Boost Livestock Vaccine Production to 1.2B Doses

The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to transforming the livestock sector by increasing the production capacity of animal vaccines to 1.2 billion doses annually. This initiative was announced by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a work visit to the Nigerian Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State.

The NVRI, established in 1924, is recognized as a leading institution for animal vaccine research and production. The minister highlighted the government's determination to reduce the country's dependence on imported animal vaccines and enhance local production to improve livestock health and security.

The NVRI aims to expand its production capacity to meet national demand and serve the wider West African market. The minister's visit also aimed to identify practical solutions to challenges within the livestock sector.

Dr. Nichola Nwakpa, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of NVRI, informed that the institute plans to produce 20 million doses of pest de petit ruminant (PPR) vaccine and 15 million doses of bacterial vaccine by the first quarter of 2026.