Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has unveiled TELE-VET, Nigeria’s first tele-veterinary call centre, a landmark initiative designed to expand access to professional animal health services via mobile technology.
The launch, held at the Animal Hospital, Oko-Oba, Agege, was attended by Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, who described TELE-VET as a transformative platform that strengthens veterinary systems, enhances food safety, and drives agricultural innovation across Lagos and beyond.
Highlighting the role of technology in modern food systems, Olusanya said Lagos, under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, is committed to digital solutions that improve efficiency, empower farmers, and protect public health.
She noted that TELE-VET addresses persistent challenges faced by livestock farmers and pet owners, particularly the difficulty of accessing timely, professional veterinary care. The platform builds on existing mobile services such as M-Agric and M-Health on MTN and Glo networks, which provide expert tips, guidance, and mentorship for animal care.
Subscribers can access TELE-VET by dialing *20791#, with options to pay N100/day, N300/week, or N500/month. All active subscribers enjoy free access to the Call Centre, which delivers emergency support, first-aid guidance, disease-prevention information, and livestock and pet care assistance. The service reduces costs, saves time, and allows farmers to access expert advice without traveling long distances.
Olusanya also highlighted TELE-VET’s potential to improve disease surveillance and early detection of zoonotic illnesses, supporting the One World, One Health framework that links human, animal, and environmental health. She added that the platform sets the stage for future innovations, including livestock and pet health insurance, veterinary e-commerce, safer animal transport, and enhanced financing opportunities for farmers, reinforcing Lagos as a leader in technology-driven agriculture.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, described TELE-VET as a game-changing intervention that meets the evolving needs of farmers and pet owners, ensuring swift and professional veterinary support. He noted that significant investments have been made in infrastructure, technical systems, and human resources to operate a world-class veterinary call centre.
Audu emphasized that the service supports Lagos’ food security framework, enabling effective livestock health management, early response to potential outbreaks, reducing animal losses, and promoting better farm management practices across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs. He also commended the collaboration between veterinary experts, ICT partners, and technical teams that made TELE-VET possible.
Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Rasheed Macaulay, said the launch marks a new era in veterinary service delivery in Lagos State. He explained that TELE-VET overcomes challenges such as limited manpower, delayed emergency response, and difficulties in reaching farmers in remote areas by connecting residents directly with certified professionals.
Macaulay added that the platform enhances disease surveillance and reporting, allowing early detection of animal illnesses and preventing the spread of zoonotic infections. With real-time consultations, improved documentation, and faster escalation processes, TELE-VET strengthens frontline veterinary operations and promotes safer, healthier food systems for Lagos residents.
