By Mardiyyah Abubakar
The Federal Government has renewed its plan to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious disease affecting sheep and goats, by 2030.
The government said it will rely on stronger disease surveillance, wider vaccination campaigns and cross-border cooperation to achieve the target.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Chinyere Akujobi, announced the commitment at a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on updating Nigeria’s National Strategic Plan for PPR control and eradication.
Akujobi described the fight against PPR as both an animal health priority and a national development goal, noting that eliminating the disease would protect rural livelihoods, boost livestock production and expand trade opportunities.
She said Nigeria has introduced measures including laboratory improvements, outbreak investigations, targeted vaccinations and training programmes to reduce the impact of the disease.
With more than 200 million sheep and goats, Nigeria has Africa’s largest small ruminant population, making disease control crucial for farmers and the wider livestock economy.
Akujobi said the new 2026–2030 strategic plan will strengthen veterinary services, improve disease mapping, promote risk-based vaccination and support safer livestock trade across borders.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Samuel Anzaku, said updating the strategy would help align the country’s efforts with global PPR eradication goals and regional animal health programmes.
Development partners, including African and international animal health organisations, also backed Nigeria’s plan, describing PPR eradication as key to improving food security, reducing poverty and strengthening rural economies.
