AU-IBAR Evaluates Nigeria’s Readiness to End PPR by 2030

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) has begun an assessment of Nigeria’s preparedness to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) by 2030. The mission is reviewing the country’s disease control plan, veterinary systems and implementation progress.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said Nigeria remains committed to achieving the 2030 target despite the global deadline being moved to 2040. He said the government is expanding disease surveillance, laboratory services and vaccine availability.

Maiha also announced that a vaccine production facility at the National Veterinary Research Institute is being rehabilitated. When completed, it is expected to produce more than 100 million vaccine doses to support local demand.

The minister said 20 states now have livestock ministries or agencies. He added that the government is investing in veterinary hospitals, solar-powered vaccine storage facilities and border animal health posts to improve disease control.

AU-IBAR officials described Nigeria as a key country in Africa’s PPR eradication programme. The mission will work with government agencies, researchers, livestock farmers and development partners to identify gaps and recommend measures to help Nigeria achieve a PPR-free status by 2030.