In a sweeping enforcement action, the Oyo State Government has sealed 15 unregistered veterinary outlets and confiscated veterinary products worth millions of naira in a bid to regulate animal health services and ensure public safety.

The operation, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, followed routine inspections across the Ibadan metropolis, which uncovered multiple outlets operating in violation of the Oyo State Private Veterinary Premises and Veterinary Establishment (Regulation) Law, 2017.

Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, through the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Olaoye Olakunle, stressed that the state government remains committed to enforcing regulations aimed at protecting animal health, food safety, and the broader public health.

“Under the 2017 law, all veterinary premises and practitioners are required to register with the Ministry annually. This is essential for effective monitoring, control, and to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases,” said Dr. Olakunle.

Targeting Quackery and Disease Prevention

The enforcement campaign aims to curb veterinary quackery, a serious concern that undermines animal welfare and increases the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks—diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

The Commissioner warned that any individual or outlet found to be operating outside the legal framework would face legal sanctions, including closure and product seizure. He also emphasized that the enforcement effort is ongoing and statewide, continuing until full compliance is achieved.

Stakeholder Collaboration

The enforcement team featured key stakeholders from the veterinary community, including:

• Dr. John Famoyin, Chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Oyo State Chapter
• Dr. Awoyele Adebayo, President, Association of Private Veterinary Medical Practitioners
• Officials from the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Their involvement underscores the importance of collaborative regulation in improving veterinary standards and accountability in private practice.

A Call for Compliance

Barrister Olaleye urged all private veterinary practitioners and operators across the state to regularize their operations and ensure their premises are duly registered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in line with the 2017 legal provision.

“This is about protecting lives—both animal and human. Registration ensures standards are upheld and that only qualified professionals provide animal health services,” he said.