Ministry makes case for animal welfare

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has said that Nigeria needs to implement the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)’s best practice to access the international market.

FMARD made the submission at a national workshop on animal welfare in Lagos to sensitise stakeholders on the promotion and advancement of animal welfare in the country.

Themed: ‘Relevance of Animal Welfare in Nigeria,’ the workshop was organised by the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, in collaboration with the International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE).

The Director, Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Dr. Olaniran Alabi, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Dr. Modupeola Ogunnoiki, said it is important to treat animals humanely as “we use them for food, work or as companions.”

His words: “The need to ensure that our farm animals are provided with good animal welfare during husbandry, transportation and slaughter cannot be over-emphasised.

“Good animal welfare practices, which enhance the quality of animal products available for human consumption, is a primary concern of the department, and as such, the ministry is stepping up efforts towards introducing global best practices in implementing Nigeria’s Animal Welfare Strategy.”

Alabi noted that the Animal Welfare Strategy approved by the National Council of Agriculture in 2016 provides direction for the development of action plans to implement existing OIE guidelines and standards as well as a roadmap for development of future animal welfare policies.

He added: “The Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services has taken initial steps in the implementation of the strategy and is organising this awareness creation/sensitisation workshop for relevant stakeholders on Good Animal Welfare practices.

“The national workshop today (yesterday) is a step in the right direction and is expected to go a long way in ensuring that safe, wholesome and affordable livestock and poultry products are available for our local market and possible export.”

On her part, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Abisola Olusanya, said the programme came at a time the state government had signed two crucial bills – Lagos State Animal Law 2022 and Lagos State Anti-Grazing Law 2021 – into law.

“Careful examination of the details of these two Laws would reveal the importance of animal welfare in our daily activities.”

“The workshop is well timed, aptly themed and properly coincidental to align with existing realities on the field of practice,” the commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Veterinary Services and Pest Control, Dr. Rasheed Macaulay, added.