Oyo State Shuts Down 15 Unregistered Veterinary Outlets, Seizes Millions in Goods

Oyo State has sent a strong message to veterinary service providers by shutting down 15 unregistered outlets and seizing goods worth millions of naira. The crackdown, which occurred on Tuesday, was a direct result of violations of the state’s Private Veterinary Premises and Veterinary Establishment (Regulation) Law, 2017.

Source: Republican Nigeria

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, confirmed the action in a statement released from Ibadan. According to Olaleye, routine inspections within Ibadan uncovered the illegal operations of the affected veterinary outlets, all of which lacked the mandatory registration for veterinary premises — a clear breach of the law.

This decisive move aims to protect animal health, ensure food safety, and secure public health. Speaking through the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Olaoye Olakunle, Olaleye reiterated that the law mandates all veterinary establishments and practitioners in the state to register annually with the government, allowing for effective oversight. “This is key to curbing zoonotic diseases and eliminating quackery within the sector,” Olaleye emphasized.

With the enforcement now in full swing, the commissioner warned that any further violations would attract severe legal consequences. The ongoing operation signals the government’s commitment to ensuring that veterinary practice in Oyo State adheres to the highest standards.

Veterinary practitioners across the state have been urged to ensure their operations comply with the law by registering their premises with the Ministry. The enforcement team behind the operation included key figures like John Famoyin, Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, and Awoyele Adebayo, President of the Association of Private Veterinary Medical Practitioners. Together, they made it clear that this is just the beginning of a larger effort to ensure full compliance statewide.