Stakeholders in Nigeria’s livestock and food safety sectors have convened a national preparatory meeting ahead of the 28th session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food (CCRVDF28), scheduled for May 23–27, 2026, in Minneapolis, United States.
The meeting, organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, brought together key institutions including the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, alongside directors and senior officials of the ministry.
The was contained in a statement on Tuesday, by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head, Press and Public Relations Department.
Declaring the session open, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria and Chairman of the Ministerial Codex Committee, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, said the gathering was crucial for harmonising Nigeria’s position ahead of the international forum.
He noted that the platform would enable the country to review technical issues, align national priorities, and ensure coordinated representation on matters relating to veterinary drug residues in food.
“This meeting enables Nigeria to consolidate its positions on veterinary drug residues, ensuring that our contributions at the global stage reflect the interests and priorities of our country,” Anzaku said.
He emphasised the importance of proper regulation and monitoring of veterinary drugs to safeguard public health and maintain consumer confidence in animal-derived food products.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director-General of SON, represented by the Head of Standards Development, Yunusa Mohammed, commended the ministry for its proactive approach to international food safety governance.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s active participation in Codex processes helps ensure that national interests are reflected in global standards, while strengthening coordination across agencies involved in food safety, veterinary drug regulation, and aquaculture.
Mohammed also disclosed that officials from NAFDAC and the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture have been registered to participate in the upcoming session, demonstrating the country’s readiness to contribute technical expertise.
Other stakeholders at the meeting stressed the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, harmonised policies, and effective monitoring systems to enhance food safety and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global livestock market.
Discussions at the session focused on sampling techniques, residue monitoring, risk management, and the responsible use of veterinary drugs, as participants worked to consolidate Nigeria’s technical positions ahead of the Minneapolis meeting.