The Federal Government has warned fish farmers and other players in the aquaculture sector to stop the misuse of antibiotics and adopt safer, evidence-based methods for preventing and controlling diseases in fish production. This call was made during an Awareness Creation and Sensitisation Meeting for Farmers and Value Chain Actors held in Karu, FCT Abuja, on Friday, November 21, 2025.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, said antimicrobial resistance is rising to dangerous levels across the world. According to him, the problem is already threatening the effective treatment of common infectious diseases. He stressed that misuse of antimicrobials remains one of the leading drivers of resistance, noting practices such as using drugs without prescription, over-prescription, and overuse.
Represented by the Director of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Dr. George Uzoaga, the CVON explained that antimicrobials are substances meant to kill or slow down harmful microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and parasites. He added that these drugs are classified based on the type of pathogens they target.
Speaking on the consequences of antimicrobial resistance, Anzaku said it can lead to longer periods of illness even with treatment, higher treatment costs or treatment failure, death, reduced livestock productivity, loss of livelihoods, and greater financial pressure on farmers, especially because newer drugs are usually more expensive.
He encouraged fish farmers to support both national and global efforts to reduce AMR before it turns into another pandemic, saying the risk is real if strong action is not taken.
In his welcome remarks, the National President of Aquatic Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Benedict O. Muyiwa, praised the Ministry for organising the sensitisation programme. He said it gives young fish farmers important knowledge about AMR drivers and highlights the need to seek expert guidance for proper antibiotic use and good farm management practices.
