Kogi Vets Advocate Rabies Control Bill 2026, Call for More LGA Doctors

The Kogi State chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has implored the state government to deploy a minimum of two veterinary doctors in each Local Government Area. This move aims to bolster rabies surveillance efforts and enhance the One Health initiative. Dr. Tolu Omotugba, the association's Chairman, made this appeal during a press briefing held on Monday in Lokoja at the NVMA Secretariat, commemorating the upcoming 2026 World Rabies Day.

Dr. Omotugba highlighted the significant risk rabies poses to Kogi State, given its 21 LGAs, substantial dog population often utilized for hunting and security, and its permeable borders. He stressed that the state cannot afford to be lax regarding the disease. He further explained that rabies is nearly always fatal, with a 99.9 percent mortality rate once symptoms manifest, yet it is entirely preventable.

While commending the dedication of veterinary officers within the state civil service, Omotugba lamented their insufficient numbers. "We have approximately 28 to 30 veterinary officers currently employed by the Kogi civil service, which is clearly inadequate," he stated, noting that some LGAs completely lack a veterinary presence. He contrasted this with other states, many of which employ between 50 and 100, and some even up to 200 veterinary professionals. The association's recommendation is a baseline of two veterinary doctors per LGA, primarily to facilitate disease reporting, especially for public health concerns. He added that an optimal scenario would see as many as five per LGA.

He recounted a tragic incident in 2025 where Bassa LGA in Plateau State experienced the loss of 12 lives, including an entire family of three, due to rabies. Emphasizing the severity, he warned that "a single dog bite, a single scratch, can end a family."

The Chairman underscored the importance of the 2026 theme, "Stronger Together," which advocates for enhanced collaboration. This cooperation is crucial among key stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health, Environment, Education, and Livestock, along with veterinary and medical practitioners, environmental health officers, and community leaders.

Omotugba extended appreciation to the Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development under Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha. He praised their objective of achieving 70 percent annual dog vaccination coverage and eliminating human deaths from rabies by 2030. He further mentioned that in 2025, 26,000 vaccine doses were distributed to eight high-risk states, while the FCT recently launched a campaign to vaccinate 20,000 dogs.

The association chairman expressed concern over Kogi State's continued reliance on archaic legislation, specifically citing the Rabies Act of 1935 and the Dogs Law, Cap 36 of Northern Nigeria. These laws, he explained, primarily cover seizure and licensing but are devoid of provisions for modern population management and effective enforcement. He pointed out that fewer than five percent of dogs in major towns like Lokoja, Okene, Anyigba, and Ankpa are currently licensed. He critically stated, "We cannot eliminate a 21st-century disease with 20th-century laws."

Consequently, he strongly appealed to the state government to adopt and domesticate the proposed Kogi State Rabies Control and Responsible Dog Ownership Bill 2026. This comprehensive bill aims to mandate annual dog vaccinations, create a centralized dog registry, outline penalties for stray animals, and replace the practice of shooting stray dogs with more humane management strategies.

Additionally, Omotugba advocated for a dedicated budget allocation for rabies control under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project. This funding would facilitate free mass vaccination campaigns, public sensitization programs, and ensure the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis in state hospitals. He also called for the establishment of a Kogi One Health Rabies Task Force, concluding with an ambitious declaration: "Let Kogi lead as the first state in North-Central to be rabies-free."