The Federal Government has inaugurated new animal artificial insemination and veterinary care centres in Sokoto, marking a renewed push to strengthen animal health, raise livestock productivity and expand economic opportunities for rural communities.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, unveiled the facilities on Thursday, describing them as part of a broader strategy to modernise animal husbandry practices and build a more resilient and commercially viable livestock value chain across Nigeria.
Maiha said the centres were designed to improve access to quality veterinary services, diagnostics and modern infrastructure, particularly for smallholder livestock farmers who form the backbone of the sector. He explained that the remodelled veterinary hospital would enhance animal health management, reduce losses from preventable diseases and support more sustainable livestock production systems.
As part of the initiative, the minister also launched a national mass vaccination programme aimed at preventing the spread of animal diseases, improving herd health and increasing the economic value of livestock assets. He noted that healthier animals directly translate into higher productivity, better incomes for farmers and improved food security.
According to Maiha, the projects align with the Federal Government’s plan to reposition the livestock subsector, integrate animal health services into national development priorities and empower rural communities, particularly in the North-West and other major livestock-producing regions. He added that the centres would be linked to a nationwide network to support commercial livestock operations, strengthen disease control and drive long-term agricultural growth.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, welcomed the federal intervention, describing it as a timely boost to the state’s ongoing agricultural reforms. He said improved livestock services would help create jobs, attract young people into agribusiness and strengthen food security across the region.
Aliyu also pointed to the state government’s efforts to address insecurity and banditry, stressing that restoring stability remains essential to reviving livestock production, protecting investments and sustaining rural livelihoods.
