VETERINARY SURGEONS ACT
Act · Health
An Act establishes the Veterinary Council of Nigeria to regulate veterinary medicine, register surgeons, and enforce animal health standards. It targets veterinary practitioners, livestock farmers, and related industries. This ensures only qualified professionals practice, protecting public health from diseases.
VETERINARY SURGEONS ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act establishing the Veterinary Council of Nigeria to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine, register veterinary surgeons, and protect public health through animal health standards.
Who Does It Target?
Veterinary surgeons and veterinary practitioners Livestock farmers and animal owners Universities with veterinary faculties Food production industry relying on animal health services
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure only qualified, registered veterinary surgeons practise veterinary medicine in Nigeria, protecting animal health, food safety, and public health from zoonotic diseases.
Key Features
Registration: All veterinary surgeons must be registered with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria. Professional Examinations: Council administers qualifying examinations for veterinary graduates from non-recognised institutions. Discipline: Council investigates complaints and disciplines erring practitioners. Public Health: Registered veterinary surgeons play a key role in food safety inspection and zoonotic disease control.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide veterinary sector Beneficiaries: Livestock owners; public health; food safety Funding: Registration fees; Federal Government
How to Access
Hold a recognised veterinary degree from an accredited institution Register with the Veterinary Council before practising Pay annual subscription and comply with CPD requirements Application method: Apply for registration with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria.
Important Terms
Practising veterinary medicine without registration is illegal Veterinary surgeons have mandatory reporting duties for scheduled animal diseases Food safety inspection roles require registration with the Council
Official Resources
Website: https://www.vcn.gov.ng Contact: Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN)
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Veterinary Surgeons Act Cap V5 LFN 2004, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria Act, the National Agricultural Policy, the Animal Diseases (Control) Act, and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE/WOAH) standards for veterinary services.