The Federal Government has taken a major step toward improving animal health and curbing antimicrobial resistance with the validation of Nigeria’s first National Essential Veterinary Medicines List (NEVML) and Guidelines.
The NEVML, developed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), provides a national reference for the safe, effective, and uniform availability of approved veterinary medicines needed to safeguard animal health and food security.
The milestone was achieved during a three-day validation workshop held from November 5–7, 2025, in Keffi, Nasarawa State. The event was convened by the FMLD in collaboration with Management Sciences for Health (MSH) through the Fleming Fund Country Grant.
Speaking at the workshop, Nigeria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Samuel A. Anzaku, who represented the Permanent Secretary, described the development of the NEVML as a landmark achievement for the veterinary profession and the nation’s animal health system.
He emphasized that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing global threat to human health, livestock productivity, and livelihoods, noting that the newly validated list goes beyond antimicrobials to encompass all categories of veterinary medicinal products approved for use in Nigeria.
“Veterinary medicines are essential for animal health and welfare, but they must be used responsibly,” Anzaku said. “This document will guide professionals on prudent use and support the gradual withdrawal of critically important antimicrobials in food animals, in line with global commitments under the UNGA 2024 and Muscat 2023 declarations.”
He commended MSH for its technical support and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to developing practical treatment guidelines that will help animal health professionals prescribe safely and effectively.
According to him, the NEVML will complement the Veterinary Council of Nigeria’s 2018 formulary and align with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards, which classify antimicrobials as important, highly important, or critically important for veterinary use.
Earlier, the Director of Veterinary Services, Nasarawa State, Musa Abdullahi, welcomed participants to Keffi, while MSH’s One Health Senior Advisor, Dr. Chinemerem Onwuliri, reaffirmed the organisation’s continued support for Nigeria in AMR surveillance and containment across One Health sectors.
Participants included representatives from academia, regulatory bodies, state veterinary services, and private sector stakeholders.
With the validation completed, the National Essential Veterinary Medicines List and Guidelines will serve as a national tool for guiding prescriptions, strengthening regulatory oversight, and ensuring the responsible use of antimicrobials to protect both animal and public health.
