By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government, in partnership with Etsu Digital Nigeria Limited, has launched Nigeria’s first Tele-Veterinary Call Centre, a move aimed at strengthening animal healthcare, improving food safety, and modernising agricultural systems.

Unveiled at the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Animal Hospital in Agege, the initiative provides farmers, pet owners, and livestock managers with real-time access to certified veterinary expertise across Lagos and Nigeria.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said the call centre represents a decisive step in deploying technology to support agriculture and public health. “For years, farmers and pet owners have struggled to access timely veterinary care. Today’s launch provides a practical solution, ensuring quick access to professional guidance,” she stated.

The Tele-VET platform builds on two mobile-based services—M-Agric, offering mentorship, tips, and value-chain training, and M-Health, providing tele-veterinary support. Subscribers can access the services by dialing *20791#, with 24/7 emergency support, first-aid instructions, disease-prevention guidance, and advice for livestock, pets, and even crops. The service is free for active subscribers, or available at ₦100 per day.

Olusanya highlighted the platform’s broader impact, including disease surveillance, limiting the spread of zoonotic infections, and supporting the One World, One Health framework. “Healthy animals mean higher yields, reduced losses, and stronger livelihoods, all central to Lagos State’s food security agenda,” she said.

The initiative also opens avenues for innovation, such as animal health insurance, e-commerce for veterinary services, and improved access to financial support for farmers. It is expected to enhance veterinary hospital support, reduce animal mortality, and provide valuable data for policy planning.

Olusanya commended Etsu Digital Nigeria, veterinary professionals, and the ministry’s team for their role in making the project possible, urging all farmers and pet owners to subscribe and take advantage of the service.