Quarantine Service, NVMA partner on safety of animal products
By Fatima Saka
The Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), says it would work with the newly executive committee of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) on the health of livestock and safety of animal products.
Dr Vincent Isegbe, Director-General, NAQS, stated this at the ongoing Annual Summit and Investiture of Dr Olutoyin Adetuberu, the 20th National President of the association, on Tuesday in Abuja, themed: “Curbing the menace of Quackery in the Veterinary profession in Nigeria.’’
Speaking, Isegbe, said NAQS, was saddled with the responsibility of working on creating disease-free areas in the country.
According to him, the work of the profession is so diverse including animal health, food safety, feeds, among others, adding that though they were very few if they contributed their quota, they could move the country forward.
“NAQS is confident that, with your vision and passion, we can advance our shared interest in raising healthier animals and building the basis for a thriving trade in the animal value chains” he added.
Aishatu Abubakar-Baju, President, Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), identified professionals as the major problem in the veterinary profession and not outsiders.
Represented by Dr Bala Muhammed, Vice President of the council, she decried that most of the veterinarians were not up to date in their registration underscoring the fact that they occupied “a very important position in the profession.”
“It is an appeal that we can do ourselves very well if only we operate within the ambit of the law, which is one of the ways the profession can thrive in the country.
“The council set a standards and one of the standards is to actually know who is to practice and that is exactly what we are doing.
“VCN is not only registering the premises and practice but also the individuals carrying out service will be identified by way of giving them Identity card among others,” she said.