…Eight high-risk states targeted for 2030 eradication target
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has intensified its nationwide rabies vaccination campaign, deploying field teams to eight high-risk states as part of efforts to eliminate the deadly virus across Nigeria by 2030.
The exercise, which took place simultaneously in Bauchi, Cross River, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Lagos, Osun and Plateau states last week, was followed by the official flag-off by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha on September 29, 2025.
Leading the ministry's delegation in Plateau State, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVO) Samuel Anjaku affirmed the determination of the Federal Government to achieve nationwide rabies eradication. He urged state governments, veterinary professionals and communities to work together to maintain vaccination and awareness efforts.
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“The theme of this year's commemoration – 'You, I and the Community' – reminds us that rabies elimination cannot be achieved by government efforts alone. It is a shared responsibility and collective investment in the health and safety of our communities,” Anjaku said.
Under the ministry's One Health framework, a total of 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines have been procured for deployment in eight targeted states.
Plateau State received 3,000 doses, while the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital received 1,200 doses to support surveillance and vaccination activities.
Plateau State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Sunday Akpa, and Chairman of Bassa LGA, Joshua Sunday Rieti, commended the Federal Government for the intervention and promised continued support to sustain the operation.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, the Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Lami Hannatu Lombin, revealed that Bassa Local Government Area alone recorded 25 cases of rabies in 2025, resulting in 12 deaths, including a family of three who died from dog bites.
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Describing the situation as “extremely tragic”, Lombín stressed the urgency of strengthening public awareness and routine vaccination to prevent further deaths. He commended the Ministry for its prompt response and assured that the vaccines will be used judiciously to boost Plato's rabies control efforts.
Dignitaries at the Plateau event included Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Matters Marcus Awori, Executive Assistant to the Governor (Efficiencies Unit) Gideon Agaldo, NVRI Executive Director Nicholas Nwankpa, Kumtap Yilji Cashmir and NVMA Plateau Chairman Pam Luca.
Traditional rulers, district and village heads also participated, promising support to their communities.
The delegation later inspected one of six cold storage facilities donated by the Norwegian Refugee Council for vaccine storage in the state.
