FG To Revamp National Veterinary Research Institute, Targets 1.2 Billion Vaccine Doses Annually

Nigeria’s Federal Government has announced plans to revamp the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State, aiming to produce 1.2 billion vaccine doses annually.

This move seeks to address the country’s vaccine needs and combat zoonotic diseases.

According to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, the institute’s outdated equipment and technology have hindered its ability to meet vaccine demands for various animal species.

The ministry’s priority is to modernize the institute, reducing reliance on imported vaccines and increasing its capacity to supply vaccines for animals ranging from poultry to camels.

Currently, the institute provides only 50% of the nation’s vaccine requirements, which is inadequate for effective disease management. Maiha emphasized that managing endemic and zoonotic diseases is crucial for Nigeria to compete in the international market.

The government’s plan includes increasing the institute’s capacity to perform optimally and positioning it alongside leading countries like Brazil, Egypt, and South Africa.

Nigeria spends at least $1.5 billion annually on importing vaccines, which could be redirected to strengthen NVRI’s capacity.

In a related development, the Nigerian government has inaugurated a new solar-powered vaccine storage facility in Sheda, with a storage capacity of 40 million doses.

This facility, funded by the World Bank, aims to enhance vaccine storage and improve distribution nationwide.