The Federal Government has called on stakeholders across the health sector to adopt a unified approach in addressing both human and animal diseases through the One Health framework.
This forms part of ongoing efforts to conduct a comprehensive One Health Situational Analysis and initiate the review of Nigeria’s One Health Strategic Plan 2.0 (2024–2029), alongside the development of a more coordinated and robust national response.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, made this known in her opening remarks at the High-Level Opening of the First National One Health Workshop held in Abuja on Tuesday, 31st March 2026.
Dr. Akujobi in a statement by the Assistant Chief Information Officer of Information, Ogochukwu Igboamalu, noted that the workshop is designed to achieve consensus on strategic priorities, identify key investment opportunities, and establish an effective coordination framework for timely and sustained action.
She stressed the importance of extending One Health implementation beyond the national level to states and local governments, where many health challenges first emerge and are managed.
The Permanent Secretary observed that while progress has been made nationally, there remains a need to strengthen coordination, build capacity, and ensure ownership at subnational levels.
“There are still instances where sectors respond to zoonotic disease challenges independently,” she stated, and called for greater collaboration, efficient use of resources, and improved outcomes through integrated efforts.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the importance of seamless data sharing and infrastructure integration across sectors, noting that the workshop provides an opportunity for participants to align priorities, identify investment areas, and deepen their understanding of a more inclusive and responsive One Health approach.
In her remarks, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Environment noted that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected, calling for a coordinated response to Nigeria’s diverse ecological challenges.
Similarly, the Food and Agriculture Organization Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Hussein Gadain, expressed expectations for an updated strategy that addresses emerging disease threats and strengthens preparedness and response systems.
Goodwill messages were delivered by partners including UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and other stakeholders, with participants drawn from relevant ministries, agencies, academia, and development partners.
