About Us

The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) is Nigeria’s foremost institution dedicated to advancing animal health through research, innovation, and the production of high-quality veterinary products. Located in Vom, Plateau State, the Institute was established with the primary mission of safeguarding Nigeria’s livestock industry, enhancing food security, and supporting the economic well-being of farmers and livestock owners.

As a leading veterinary research organization, NVRI focuses on disease prevention, control, and eradication through cutting-edge scientific research and vaccine development. The Institute plays a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by animal diseases that threaten livestock productivity, public health, and Nigeria’s agricultural economy.

NVRI is renowned for its robust infrastructure, state-of-the-art laboratories, and highly skilled professionals who are committed to providing sustainable solutions for the livestock sector. By fostering innovation and engaging in strategic partnerships with local and international organizations, NVRI ensures that its research and products meet global standards and address the specific needs of Nigeria’s diverse agricultural landscape.

Mandate and Objectives

By virtue of the Agricultural Research Institute Decree 35 of 1975, the name Federal Department of Veterinary Research was changed to National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI).

The NVRI operates under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and is guided by a clear mandate:

  1. Disease Research and Control: Conduct extensive research into livestock diseases, including zoonotic diseases that can impact human health.
  2. Vaccine Production: Develop and produce high-quality vaccines to prevent and control livestock diseases.
  3. Surveillance and Diagnostics: Monitor disease outbreaks and provide diagnostic services to farmers and veterinarians.
  4. Training and Capacity Building: Train veterinarians, researchers, and livestock stakeholders to improve animal health management practices.
  5. Policy Support: Provide scientific data and expertise to support the formulation of national policies on animal health and disease management.

Vision and Mission

  • Vision: To be a world-class veterinary research institution leading innovations in animal health and livestock production.
  • Mission: To safeguard animal health, enhance livestock productivity, and promote public health through research, vaccine production, diagnostics, and training.

Core Activities

NVRI’s activities span multiple areas to meet the needs of Nigeria’s livestock sector:
  • Vaccine Production: The Institute produces a wide range of vaccines, including those for Newcastle disease, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and other prevalent livestock diseases.
  • Disease Diagnostics: NVRI offers diagnostic services to identify and manage livestock diseases effectively.
  • Research and Development: Cutting-edge research focuses on emerging and re-emerging animal diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and zoonotic diseases like avian influenza and rabies.
  • Epidemiological Surveillance: The Institute monitors disease outbreaks across the country to provide early warnings and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.
  • Extension Services: NVRI engages with farmers and veterinary professionals, offering guidance on disease prevention, biosecurity, and proper vaccination practices.

Infrastructure and Facilities

NVRI’s main campus in Vom boasts advanced laboratories, production units, and research facilities that enable it to meet its mandate effectively. Key components of its infrastructure include:

  1. State-of-the-Art Laboratories: Equipped for molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, and pathology, these labs enable cutting-edge research and accurate disease diagnostics.
  2. Vaccine Production Units: Dedicated facilities for large-scale production of high-quality veterinary vaccines, ensuring a steady supply for national and regional distribution.
  3. Diagnostic Centers: Regional diagnostic centers spread across Nigeria support farmers and veterinarians by offering timely and accurate disease identification services.
  4. Animal Houses and Experimental Farms: These facilities are essential for testing vaccines, conducting field trials, and studying animal health under controlled and natural conditions.
  5. Veterinary Library and Training Centers: Resources for research and education, including a comprehensive collection of veterinary literature and modern training facilities for capacity building.

History of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI)

The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), a cornerstone of veterinary science and research in Nigeria, was established in 1924 as a response to the devastating outbreaks of rinderpest that plagued cattle populations across Nigeria and West Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Rinderpest outbreaks, particularly those recorded between 1885-1890 and 1913-1914, decimated livestock, severely impacting food security, agricultural productivity, and the livelihoods of farmers and herders.

Early Beginnings and the Veterinary Department in Zaria (1913)

In 1913, the Veterinary Department was established in Zaria by the colonial administration. Its initial focus was on conducting livestock censuses, identifying outbreaks of diseases, and mitigating their spread through isolation and quarantine measures. The Department collaborated with local village heads and Native Authority Administrations to manage livestock diseases effectively at the community level.

The establishment of the Veterinary Department marked the first structured effort to address animal health challenges in Nigeria. Recognizing the magnitude of the rinderpest problem and its socioeconomic impacts, the Department prioritized research and strategic interventions to curb livestock diseases.

Transition to Vom and the Establishment of the Veterinary Laboratory (1924)

In 1924, the Veterinary Department was relocated from Zaria to Vom, located in the present-day Plateau State. This relocation coincided with the transformation of the Department into a Veterinary Laboratory, specifically tasked with tackling the rinderpest epidemic and other livestock health issues. The choice of Vom was strategic, given its central location and proximity to significant cattle-rearing regions.

In the same year, the Vom Laboratory achieved a significant milestone by developing and producing an anti-rinderpest hyper-immune serum. This breakthrough provided an effective tool for combating the rinderpest outbreak and laid the foundation for the laboratory to become a center of excellence in veterinary research and vaccine production.

Role in Regional Veterinary Research and Vaccine Production

Over time, the Vom Veterinary Laboratory expanded its scope beyond rinderpest to address a wide range of animal diseases, including those that transcend national borders. It became a hub for the research and production of veterinary drugs and vaccines, catering not only to Nigeria’s livestock needs but also to the requirements of neighboring West African countries. This regional significance solidified the laboratory’s reputation as a critical institution for combating livestock diseases in Africa.

Transformation into the National Veterinary Research Institute (1975)

The laboratory underwent a significant transformation in 1975 when the Agricultural Research Institute Decree No. 35 was enacted. This decree redefined the laboratory’s role, elevating it to the status of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI). Under its new mandate, NVRI focused on broadening its research, diagnostics, and vaccine production capabilities to address emerging and re-emerging animal health challenges.

Advancement in Veterinary Education, Workforce Development, and Legacy

The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) has played a pivotal role in advancing veterinary education and building a skilled workforce to address animal health challenges in Nigeria. Early veterinary services relied heavily on expatriates, emphasizing the urgent need to develop a local workforce. In 1945, NVRI established a veterinary school for training veterinary assistants. By 1963, the curriculum expanded with the introduction of a Diploma in Animal Health and Husbandry, marking the Institute’s commitment to professional development.

In 1980, the school was restructured into the College of Animal Health and Husbandry, offering Ordinary Diploma and Higher Diploma courses. Accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in 1989 enabled the college to run National Diploma (ND) programs in Animal Health and Production and Higher National Diploma (HND) programs by 1992. Renamed the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology in 1991, the institution now also offers degree programs in Agricultural Science (Animal Production) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Health and Production through affiliation with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. This evolution underscores NVRI’s enduring impact on veterinary education in Nigeria.

Research: Advancing Animal Health

NVRI’s research endeavors focus on critical areas of livestock health, contributing significantly to disease prevention and eradication. In 2022, the Institute collaborated with Pirbright and the Royal Veterinary College, London to study sheeppox and goatpox, two diseases with severe economic and livestock impacts. Through this initiative, NVRI developed the SGP Cost and Vaccination Calculator, empowering herders to better understand the economic benefits of vaccination.

The Institute’s Viral Research Section investigates diseases such as African Swine Fever, Foot and Mouth Disease, Newcastle Disease, Gumboro, Parainfluenza Virus, Rabies, Egg Drop Syndrome, and Capripox. This research not only enhances livestock productivity but also mitigates the spread of zoonotic diseases.

Vaccine Production: Securing Livestock Health

NVRI’s vaccine production divisions are at the heart of its mission to safeguard Nigeria’s livestock.

  1. Bacterial Vaccine Division: Produces vaccines for diseases such as Anthrax, Black Quarter, Contagious Bovine Pleuro-pneumonia, Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, Fowl Cholera, Fowl Typhoid, and BruceIla (S.19).
  2. Viral Vaccine Division: Manufactures vaccines for Fowl Pox, Rabies, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Infectious Bursal Disease, and a thermostable Newcastle Disease vaccine (Strain I2).

Despite these efforts, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has identified vaccine production as insufficient to meet Nigeria’s growing demand. Stakeholders such as the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association and the Smallholder Poultry Forum have called for privatizing vaccine production to boost capacity and efficiency.

In a landmark development, NVRI was earmarked in 2022 for the production of COVID-19 vaccines, further diversifying its contributions to public and animal health.

Legacy and Modern Role

NVRI’s contributions to veterinary science in Nigeria extend beyond its research and vaccine production. It has consistently combated transboundary diseases like Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Newcastle Disease, and Avian Influenza while fostering innovation in veterinary education. Its strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders underscore its pivotal role in addressing global animal health challenges.

As a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to food security and public health, NVRI continues to evolve, blending its historic legacy with modern advancements in veterinary medicine and science. By remaining at the forefront of research, education, and vaccine production, the Institute ensures a sustainable future for animal health and agricultural development across Nigeria and beyond.

Achievements and Contributions

NVRI has made remarkable strides in safeguarding Nigeria’s livestock and supporting the agricultural economy. Some of its notable achievements include:

  1. Vaccine Development and Distribution: The production and distribution of millions of doses of vaccines annually have significantly reduced the impact of major livestock diseases, improving livestock productivity and farmers’ incomes.
  2. Research Breakthroughs: Pioneering research on diseases such as avian influenza, African swine fever, and rabies has informed national disease control strategies.
  3. Public Health Contributions: By addressing zoonotic diseases, NVRI has enhanced public health outcomes and supported Nigeria’s adherence to international health standards.
  4. Training and Capacity Building: The Institute has trained thousands of veterinarians, scientists, and extension workers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to manage animal health issues effectively.
  5. Global Partnerships: NVRI collaborates with international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the World Health Organization (WHO) to tackle transboundary animal diseases and promote food security.

Summary

The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) stands as a cornerstone of veterinary science and animal health in Nigeria. From its humble beginnings as a response to the devastating rinderpest outbreaks of the early 20th century, the Institute has grown into a world-class center for research, vaccine production, and workforce development. Its unwavering commitment to combating livestock diseases, advancing veterinary education, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s food security and public health.

Through continuous innovation, collaboration with global and local stakeholders, and a dedication to excellence, NVRI remains a vital institution driving progress in veterinary science for Nigeria and the broader region.