LIVESTOCK MINISTRY SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH US SUPPORT PROJECT ON DISEASE SURVEILLANCE

"The visit is aligned with the Ministry's effort to curtail diseases and ensure adequate surveillance." 

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Murktar Maiha has announced the Ministry's readiness to collaborate with a US Support Project PATH, on Strengthening on Infectious Diseases Detection Systems (STRIDES).

Minister Maiha stated this when a team from PATH, led by Dr Phillip Igawe visited the Ministry in Abuja today on Wednesday 3rd June, 2026.

According to a statement from the Ministry, issued and signed by Henrietta Okonkon, Deputy Director Press and Public Relations Department, "the visit is aligned with the Ministry's effort to curtail diseases and ensure adequate surveillance."

The Minister also mentioned that the ministry is set to advance discussions with the US support projects in Nigeria to prevent emerging and re-emerging diseases out break of animals in the country. 

Maiha stated that the visit by the Association will provide an opportunity for the ministry to engage stakeholders on strategies, aimed at strengthening the country's capacity, to detect, monitor, and respond effectively to infectious diseases and threats. 

According to the Minister, the discussion which focused on enhancing disease surveillance will improve Public Health systems, by strengthening laboratories networks, building skilled health workforce and promoting data-driven decision-making. 

Mukhtar also re-emphasizes that the importance of collaborating with government institutions, development partners and other key stakeholders cannot be over-emphasized as it will ensure the success implementation and longterm sustainability of project interventions.

"To this end, he reaffirmed a shared commitment to building resilient health systems and enhancing the country's preparedness in response to emerging and re-emerging infectious disease outbreaks in Nigeria. 

The Team Leader of the Association, Dr. Phillip Igawe, in his presentation,informed the Minister that the essence of the visit is to partner with the Ministry in terms of disease prevention, through surveillance control and use of Data. 

He also added that strengthening collaboration between Federal and State actors, will drive sustainable progress in Livestock Development, and position the country on the path to global best practices for socio-economic development of Nigeria.