In Nigeria, the unchecked use of antimicrobials in livestock and aquaculture has become a serious public health issue. Farmers routinely administer antibiotics to their animals without prescriptions, resulting in drug residues appearing in food products like meat, eggs, and milk.
Experts warn that this widespread practice is a key factor in the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing direct health risks to consumers. In an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, Dr. Sati Ngulukun—a director at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State—explained that many farmers, lacking proper guidance, depend on hearsay or unverified advice when using these drugs.
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“Farmers simply go to a market or pharmacy, buy antibiotics, and administer them to their livestock, poultry, or fish without proper regard for dosage or the withdrawal period,” he explained. The withdrawal period is the time required for a drug to clear from an animal’s system before its products, such as eggs, milk, or meat, are deemed safe for human consumption. However, many farmers ignore this crucial waiting period, leading to the contamination of food items with drug residues.
Dr. Ngulukun noted, “When consumers eat these products, they ingest antibiotic residues, which may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. This could render antibiotics ineffective when needed for treating infections later on.”
Despite regulations, enforcement remains weak, and antimicrobial drugs are widely available over the counter—an approach that conflicts with international best practices. “Antibiotics should only be sold with a prescription from a veterinarian or medical doctor. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, anyone can walk into a pharmacy or market and buy these drugs freely,” he lamented.
He also emphasized the importance of veterinary professionals in safeguarding food safety, pointing out that Nigeria’s workforce—comprising just over 10,000 registered veterinarians—is insufficient to effectively monitor the country’s vast livestock population. In many rural areas, the lack of veterinary services further fuels the unregulated use of these medications.
