The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has inaugurated Nigeria’s first Tele-Veterinary Call Centre, introducing a digital support system designed to strengthen animal health and boost agricultural productivity across the state.
The launch took place on Friday at the Animal Hospital, Johnson Agri, within the Agriculture Complex in Oko-Oba, Agege.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Tele-VET platform serves as a farmers’ helpline and an essential tool for public health protection, enhanced food safety, and efficient disease surveillance. By quickly identifying and addressing zoonotic threats, the system aligns with the global One World, One Health framework, which links human, animal, and environmental wellbeing.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, described the centre as a bold demonstration of the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to expand and modernise the agricultural sector.
“This milestone marks a decisive step in strengthening animal health systems, improving food safety, and advancing agricultural innovation for millions of Nigerians,” she said. Olusanya noted that the initiative, launched in partnership with Etsu Digital Nigeria Ltd., reflects Lagos State’s determination to leverage technology to empower farmers and protect public health.
She highlighted the longstanding difficulty farmers and pet owners have faced in accessing timely veterinary expertise. The new Tele-Veterinary Call Centre, she said, bridges this gap by offering immediate access to certified professionals.
The platform builds on existing mobile-based services—M-Agric and M-Health—available on MTN and Glo networks. M-Agric delivers daily expert guidance and value-chain training, with over ₦50 million already disbursed to beneficiaries nationwide. M-Health provides practical veterinary tips for livestock and pet care.
Subscribers can easily access the services by dialing *20791#.
Olusanya added that the newly inaugurated live call centre, staffed by certified Lagos State Veterinary Consultants, will offer 24/7 emergency support, first-aid instructions, disease-prevention guidance, and professional veterinary advice for livestock, pets, and even crops.
The service remains free for active M-Agric and M-Health users, while others can subscribe for just ₦100 per day, ensuring affordable, instant veterinary support without travel or long clinic queues.