ibironkeeniola 
To curb the increasing risk of antibiotics resistance among animals across Nigeria, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has revealed that it is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development(FMARD) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on the trend.
FAO representative in Nigeria, Mr. Suffyan Koroma made the disclosure at a 3-day technical workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR) surveillance for the development of National Guidelines for Animal Health and Agriculture in Abuja.
In Koroma’s words, the organization was supporting the Nigeria government to develop national guidelines to aid the implementation of the National Action Plan. He also said the plan will help regulate the use of antimicrobial-resistant agents in agriculture and animal health.
With the threat of antimicrobial use across the globe, world leaders have called on agencies of the United Nations to assist governments in fighting the risk associated.
Against this backdrop, Koroma added that the FAO is playing a key role in supporting governments at all levels and all stakeholders to work towards the responsible use of antimicrobials and helping to reduce antimicrobial resistance in agricultural systems.
Seemingly, Nigeria’s Ministry of Health had approved the establishment of AMR national surveillance regulatory body based at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and it has established AMR surveillance systems for human health.
In his remarks, Director of Veterinary and Pest Control Services for FMARD, Mr. Olaniran Alabi said that another issue of concern is that antibiotics for use in animals are purchased “over the counter” without restrictions and there is no legislature for the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters in Nigeria.
He further appealed to the FAO to support the movement to strengthen institutional capacities for early AMR detection and trends monitoring in the country.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA