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The Lagos state Government has warned against the dangers of indiscriminate antibiotic use in livestock and aquaculture.
Emmanuel Audu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, gave the warning while speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by Rid Labs, tagged “All Farmers Business Meeting (AFBM 2.0),” in Ikorodu.
He commended the organisers for creating a vital platform where farmers, agripreneurs, scientists, regulators, and investors can converge to share knowledge and explore innovative pathways for agricultural growth.
Audu who was represented by Deputy Director, Fisheries Department, Olorunfemi Oniyide, while speaking on the theme of the meeting “Numbers Don’t Lie: Turning Farm Data into Profits,” said that the future of agriculture lies in facts, figures, and analytics rather than guesswork.
He noted that the effects of Indiscriminate antibiotics use ranging from rising mortality in poultry and fish to failed treatments and higher production costs, pose both economic and public health threats.
He assured stakeholders that the Ministry is committed to promoting proper diagnosis and responsible use of veterinary medicines, driving continuous capacity building for farmers and professionals, and developing sound policy frameworks that safeguard farm profitability and protect public health.
Audu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable, and profitable agricultural sector through the adoption of data-driven solutions and the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
While reiterating government’s unwavering support for farmers, he said that Lagos State will continue to strengthen food systems, drive agricultural innovation, and secure food security for all residents.
He urged participants to ensure that the deliberations and knowledge shared translate into tangible results for the benefit of farmers, the economy, and the nation at large.
Femi Dairo, the Chief Executive/Business Head of RID LAB, said that the organization is deliberately tackling the challenge of indiscriminate drug use in livestock by insisting on diagnosis before treatment. He noted that many farmers rely on guesswork or wrong data when treating their animals, leading them to administer drugs without tests.
He warned that such practices could worsen animal diseases, increase losses, waste resources, and contribute significantly to antimicrobial resistance.
“RID LAB is working to change this culture by showing farmers that science-driven farming is not a burden, but the gateway to profitability and sustainability.
“If profit alone were the objective, RID LAB would simply provide quick drug solutions without demanding proper tests. Instead, the laboratory chose the more difficult but rewarding path of accurate diagnosis.
“By removing guesswork and relying on scientific data, farmers can protect their animals, reduce unnecessary drug use, preserve the potency of antibiotics, and achieve measurable results.”
He added that farms that abandoned guesswork for evidence-based treatment have recorded higher survival rates for their livestock and greater returns on investment.
He stressed that with accurate data guiding treatment, the livestock industry can overcome waste, improve productivity, and ensure long-term sustainability.
He assured stakeholders that RID LAB remains committed, adding that the organization will continue to provide farmers with accurate diagnoses, regulators with scientific evidence, and agribusiness stakeholders with sustainable solutions, all aimed at securing a profitable livestock sector and safeguarding public health.