After over a decade of inactivity, construction has resumed on what is expected to be Nigeria’s largest veterinary hospital, located along the Birnin Kebbi–Kalgo Road in Kebbi State. The long-abandoned facility, originally initiated 13 years ago, has been brought back to life by the administration of Governor Nasir Idris.

The massive project spans approximately ten hectares and is envisioned as a world-class referral facility for veterinary care. It will include specialized units such as surgical suites, ultrasonography, diagnostic laboratories, livestock feed storage, administrative offices, and animal admission wards—all outfitted with state-of-the-art veterinary equipment and staffed by skilled professionals.

During a site inspection, the state’s Commissioner for Animal Health, Husbandry and Fisheries, Alhaji Kabir Usman Alaramma, described the project as a game-changer, not only for Kebbi State but for Nigeria’s entire animal health sector.

“This is the largest veterinary hospital in Nigeria—perhaps the entire northern region. We’re thankful to Governor Nasir Idris for reviving a facility that had been dormant for 13 years,” Alaramma said.

He emphasized Kebbi State’s potential as a livestock powerhouse, revealing that the state boasts the highest number of livestock in the country. With 25 state-level grazing reserves, 12 major livestock routes, 74 local government grazing paths, and 76 livestock markets (including some with international reach), Kebbi stands at the forefront of Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Alaramma noted that the revived hospital will serve as a modern training and research center, allowing local farmers to transition from traditional to modern animal husbandry practices. The facility will also promote improved dairy and beef production while enhancing animal health surveillance and disease control.

The project is expected to reach completion by early 2026, with plans underway to invite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Livestock Development for the commissioning ceremony.

Also present at the site visit was Dr. Alheri Ibrahim Senchi, Director of Veterinary Services, who said the hospital will serve as a practical training center for students pursuing veterinary and animal science education across Nigeria. He also revealed an emerging partnership with Brazil aimed at strengthening Kebbi’s veterinary capabilities and positioning it as a regional leader in livestock export certification.

“If you’re looking to export meat, it must be certified to meet global standards. Our facility will be equipped with artificial insemination labs and semen processing technology, ensuring our animals are both healthy and export-ready,” Senchi explained.

Contractor Alhaji Muhammadu Kiruwa, Managing Director of S. Fulani and Sons Nigeria Limited, praised the state government for reigniting the project.

“This is not just a win for Fulani pastoralists—it benefits pig farmers, ranchers, and all categories of livestock keepers. We urge farmers to embrace this opportunity to modernize livestock practices,” he said.

This renewed investment in animal health infrastructure reflects Kebbi State’s strategic push to harness its livestock potential as a driver of economic growth, food security, and rural empowerment in Nigeria.