The L-PRES National Coordinating Office Consultants on Veterinary Services, Dr. Gani Enahoro and Prof. Wesley D. Nafarnda, held a pivotal stakeholders’ engagement meeting with private veterinary practitioners in Enugu State on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Enugu L-PRES Conference Hall.
The consultants were warmly welcomed by Dr. Elizabeth Ifeyinwa Nnajieze, State Project Coordinator (SPC) for Enugu L-PRES; Dr. Ifeoma Kene Nnaji, Director of Veterinary Services; Dr. Ilo Chidiebere, State Chapter President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association; and Dr. Eugene Ibe, President of the Association of Private Veterinary Practitioners in Enugu State, among other key stakeholders.
In her welcome address, Dr. Nnajieze, on behalf of the Enugu State Government, Enugu L-PRES, and the veterinary community, reaffirmed Governor Dr. (Barr.) Peter Ndubuisi Mba’s commitment to transforming veterinary services in the state. She highlighted the cordial partnership with private practitioners and urged them to seize L-PRES opportunities for impactful service delivery.
Dr. Enahoro, team lead, thanked the state government and participants for their collaboration. He outlined the meeting’s objectives: sensitizing practitioners on the L-PRES microcosm component, which supports private veterinary service development for delegated tasks in disease prevention and control, as per the Project Implementation Manual (PIM). The program, divided into two phases (14 states including Enugu in Phase 1, and 16 in Phase 2), addresses public sector shortages, funding gaps, and poor service delivery to enhance livestock productivity.
Key Program Modalities and Components:
* Selection of 10 eligible private veterinarians to serve livestock owners in L-PRES clusters.
* Monthly service reports and invoices, verified by external auditors, with end-of-year payments.
* Input-Based: Non-refundable motorcycles and tools.
* Service-Based: Reimbursable treatments, vaccinations, biosecurity consultations, and farmer education.
Eligibility Criteria:
* Registered with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN).
* Functional practice premises, valid business registration, and current practicing license.
Prof. Nafarnda emphasized competencies like record-keeping, integrity, collaboration, and invoicing, while advising reasonable pricing for sustainability. Practitioners raised concerns over the one-year payment timeline, high input costs, and financial strain, recommending a tranche-based system for better cash flow.
In closing, Dr. Ifeoma Kene Nnaji urged professionalism, while Animal Health Officer Dr. Obinna Ugwu stressed rural inclusion. The meeting ended with a prayer by Dr. Ben Oguejiofor.
