Chidimma Uchegbu -Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared a renewed war against rabies, reaffirming its commitment to eliminate the deadly but preventable disease by the year 2030, in line with the global target.
Speaking at the Joint Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate World Rabies Day 2025, held at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Abuja, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said rabies remains one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases affecting Nigerians but stressed that the government is determined to stamp it out through the One Health approach.
“Government alone cannot win this battle. It requires you, me, and our communities working hand in hand. Together, we can make Nigeria rabies-free,” the Minister declared.
He noted that his Ministry has already begun rolling out nationwide vaccination campaigns for dogs and cats, alongside intensified public sensitisation programmes, in addition to strengthening veterinary services, particularly in underserved communities.
“Our approach is deliberate: to ensure that no family suffers the needless pain of losing a loved one to rabies,” he added.
Underscoring the importance of partnerships, the Minister reiterated that rabies eradication is central to Nigeria’s livestock development agenda and food security goals.
In the statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations Department, Ben. Bem Goong, the Minister reassured that Nigeria is committed to meeting the global target of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 and called on state governments, local councils, veterinary professionals, and community leaders to align with the national rabies elimination plan.
Similarly, representatives of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, and the Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Abbas Lawal, also delivered remarks, pledging their Ministries’ full support for rabies elimination under the One Health platform.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, who was represented by the Director of Planning Research and Statistics, Stephen Ohaeri, noted that while rabies is almost 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear, it is also 100 percent preventable through vaccination and responsible pet ownership.
She added that the Ministry is prioritising capacity building for veterinary officers, expanding diagnostic facilities, and ensuring that states have the technical support they need to respond to outbreaks. “We will not relent until rabies is eliminated from our borders. The health of our animals is directly tied to the wellbeing of our people,” she affirmed.
International partners, professional associations, and civil society representatives delivered goodwill messages praising Nigeria’s leadership in mass vaccination campaigns and pledging technical support and expanded access to vaccines for the country’s anti-rabies drive.
The World Rabies Day 2025 also brought together veterinary professionals, health experts, academia, and the media to raise awareness on the prevention of rabies and to highlight the government’s strategic plan for achieving a rabies-free Nigeria.
