The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminate rabies by the year 2030 in line with global targets.
The Minister called on all Nigerians who own dogs or other pets to ensure their animals are vaccinated annually against rabies.
He emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective tool in the fight against the deadly but preventable disease, urging every individual to take responsibility in protecting both human and animal lives.
Maiha made this appeal while delivering a keynote address during the Joint Ministerial Press Briefing held on Thursday, 25th September 2025, to commemorate World Rabies Day, at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Abuja.
“Vaccination is the key. A simple annual shot for your dog or pet can save lives. Rabies is almost 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear, but it is also 100 percent preventable,” the Minister said. “We cannot eliminate rabies without your support. It begins with you, the pet owner. Make sure your dog is vaccinated.
“Our goal is zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies. We are fully aligned with the global ambition and we are rolling up our sleeves to hit our targets,” he stated.
Maiha explained that the Ministry of Livestock Development is already rolling out a comprehensive national rabies control strategy, which includes mass dog vaccination campaigns, public sensitization drives, and strengthened veterinary services.
This year, the government is targeting eight high-risk states where confirmed cases of rabies are on the rise.
To support the campaign, the Ministry is procuring 7000 doses of anti-rabies vaccine for dog vaccination and another 7000 doses of human pre-exposure vaccines for frontline animal health workers.
Educational materials on social and behavioral change are also being developed to help communities understand what to do in case of a dog bite and how to prevent the spread of rabies.
The Minister also noted the high cost of treatment.
“One bite can cost a family close to a thousand naira or more. These treatments are not even easily available in many rural areas. Prevention is far cheaper, safer, and more effective than cure,” he stressed.
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry has intensified efforts through the National Rabies Control Program, with strategic investments in surveillance systems, increased training for veterinary personnel, and collaboration with national and international partners.
“Rabies is not just an animal health issue. It is a public health issue. Our response is guided by the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. We are breaking silos and building bridges across sectors to win this fight,” he said.
The Ministry is also strengthening the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) to increase local production of vaccines, including anti-rabies vaccines.
This move is expected to help Nigeria reach its goal of vaccinating 70 percent of the dog population by 2030, the level required to eliminate the disease.
“Our plan is deliberate. We don’t want any family to suffer the pain of losing a loved one to rabies. We are working to ensure that even the most underserved communities have access to veterinary services and vaccines,” the Minister explained.
Representatives of the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, also pledged full support for rabies elimination efforts under the One Health framework.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Stephen Ohaeri, reaffirmed that the Ministry is expanding diagnostic capacity, training more veterinary officers, and working closely with states to improve outbreak response.
“The health of our animals is directly tied to the wellbeing of our people. We will not relent until rabies is eliminated from Nigeria,” she said.
The 2025 World Rabies Day also brought together global health experts, veterinary professionals, academia, civil society, and media organizations.
They commended Nigeria’s leadership in launching mass vaccination campaigns and pledged continued technical and logistical support.
Looking ahead, the Minister announced plans to create a digital platform for stakeholders to share updates, refine strategies, and strengthen coordination.
“This is a war against rabies, and everyone in this room is a soldier. With the experience, commitment, and collaboration we have here today, we are confident that we will win this battle,” he concluded.
