Federal Government has reiterated the urgent need for deeper regional cooperation to tackle transboundary animal diseases, particularly Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), which continue to undermine food security, livestock productivity, and economic stability across West Africa.
Speaking at the opening of the Regional Training on Strengthening Capacities for PPR and Other Transboundary Animal Diseases in Abuja on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, urged West African countries to adopt a united front against the persistent threats posed by these diseases.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday, by Ogochukwu Igboamalu, Assistant Chief Executive Officer on Information.
Dr. Akujobi reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Pan-African PPR Eradication Programme and highlighted ongoing national initiatives such as upgrades to the National Animal Disease Information System, improved synergy between laboratories and field teams through the One Health approach, and strengthened collaboration with ECOWAS-RAHC, AU-IBAR, FAO, and WOAH. These efforts, she noted, are geared toward aligning Nigeria’s strategies with continental frameworks.
Hosting the regional training in Abuja, she said, reflects Nigeria’s readiness to support shared capacity-building and deepen technical cooperation across West Africa. She warned that disease outbreaks in rural communities continue to erode resilience, destabilise local economies, and hinder progress toward regional livestock transformation goals.
“If Africa must meet the global target of PPR eradication, we must shift from reactive, event-driven responses to predictive, risk-based and analytics-driven surveillance,” she stated.
The Permanent Secretary also pointed out that the region still faces multiple animal health challenges—including Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), African Swine Fever (ASF), Anthrax, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)—all of which threaten household livelihoods and regional food security. She called for stronger collaboration among veterinarians, scientists, epidemiologists, border authorities, wildlife experts, and pastoralist communities.
FAO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Tofeek Braimah, described PPR as a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats, with devastating impacts on rural and peri-urban households. While acknowledging the global 2030 PPR eradication target as ambitious, he emphasised that it remains achievable through strong partnerships, coordinated action, and sustained political will. He reaffirmed the FAO’s commitment to supporting member states and regional bodies in the fight against animal diseases.
The regional training brought together participants from across West African countries, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing disease surveillance, prevention, and control in the subregion.