The Federal Government of Nigeria has renewed its commitment to eliminate rabies by 2030, aligning with global health targets to end dog-mediated human deaths from the deadly disease.
Speaking at a Joint Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja on World Rabies Day 2025, the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Maiha, declared that rabies remains “one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases affecting Nigerians” and must be urgently addressed.
This year’s commemoration was themed “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” reinforcing the need for collective action across all levels of society.
Dr. Maiha announced that the government is adopting a One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health systems to tackle rabies effectively.
“Government alone cannot win this battle. It requires you, me, and our communities working hand in hand. Together, we can make Nigeria rabies-free,” he said.
The Minister highlighted ongoing nationwide vaccination campaigns targeting dogs and cats, especially in underserved and rural communities, while also strengthening veterinary services.
“Our approach is deliberate: to ensure that no family suffers the needless pain of losing a loved one to rabies,” he added.
Dr. Maiha emphasized the critical role of state governments, local councils, veterinary professionals, and community leaders in achieving the goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
“Partnership is key. Rabies is preventable, but we must all act now.”
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Pate, pledged full support from the health sector in the national fight against rabies, reinforcing cross-sector collaboration under the One Health framework.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, represented by Stephen Ohaeri, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, described rabies as “nearly 100 per cent fatal once symptoms appear”, but entirely preventable through timely vaccination and responsible pet ownership.
“We will not relent until rabies is eliminated from our borders. The health of our animals is directly tied to the well-being of our people,” Akujobi stated.
