July 8, 2026
SUNTV Global Channel – Wildlife veterinarian and conservation expert, Dr. Mark Ofua, has warned that growing insecurity, illegal wildlife trade and environmental degradation are increasing Nigeria’s vulnerability to future disease outbreaks.
Speaking during a virtual media engagement organised by Wild Africa to mark this year’s World Zoonoses Day, Ofua said the occupation of forests by terrorists and armed groups has disrupted conservation efforts and weakened the country’s ability to detect and prevent diseases transmitted between animals and humans.
He stressed that many infectious diseases affecting humans originate from animals, noting that weak surveillance systems, rampant bushmeat trade and habitat destruction have created conditions for the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases.
The conservation expert also alleged that fatalities linked to Lassa fever are underreported in Nigeria, claiming the disease has claimed more lives than many people realise. He argued that stronger disease surveillance and greater transparency are essential to improving public health preparedness.
According to Ofua, the widespread trade in bushmeat poses a significant health risk because wild animals often carry pathogens that can spread to humans during hunting, transportation and processing.
He explained that poor hygiene practices in bushmeat markets, where different species are kept together, increase the likelihood of viruses and bacteria crossing between animals before infecting people.
Ofua further warned that the growing occupation of forests by terrorists and armed groups has made it difficult for conservationists to monitor wildlife populations, reducing opportunities to detect emerging diseases at an early stage.
He also expressed concern over illegal wildlife trafficking and porous borders, saying they increase the risk of diseases entering Nigeria from neighbouring countries.
The expert highlighted antimicrobial resistance as another major public health challenge, warning that the increasing misuse of antibiotics is making many infections more difficult to treat.
Calling for a stronger “One Health” approach, Ofua urged government agencies to integrate human, animal and environmental health policies to reduce future disease risks.
He also advocated stricter enforcement against wildlife trafficking, improved ecological surveillance, protection of endangered species and stronger public awareness campaigns on zoonotic diseases.
According to Ofua, preventing future outbreaks will require coordinated action by government, health authorities, environmental agencies and local communities to protect both public health and Nigeria’s natural ecosystems.
His remarks come amid increasing global concern over emerging infectious diseases and the need for countries to strengthen early warning systems against future epidemics.
