The National Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has pledged to significantly increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by promoting large-scale, high-quality livestock production. Speaking in Jos during a press conference ahead of NVMA’s National Conference, National President Moses Arokoyo emphasized the association’s capacity to generate ₦420 billion annually through advanced livestock farming techniques.
Arokoyo explained that by managing 10 million broilers and applying modern vaccination technology, the association could contribute ₦420 billion to the economy. He further highlighted that artificial insemination for 50,000 cattle could add another ₦300 billion, pushing potential contributions from veterinarians to ₦720 billion, excluding gains from aquaculture.
In addition to economic contributions, Arokoyo stressed the role of veterinarians in combating zoonotic diseases, which account for 2.7 million deaths annually. He urged the government to fulfill President Bola Tinubu’s pledge to create the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, enhancing the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP.
The upcoming conference, marking NVMA’s 100 years, will explore ways veterinarians can leverage artificial intelligence to improve livestock production and food security.
