Lagos State has made another pioneering stride in agricultural innovation with the launch of Nigeria’s first Tele-Veterinary Call Centre, a milestone initiative aimed at expanding access to veterinary care and strengthening the country’s food safety systems.
The historic unveiling took place at the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems Animal Hospital in Agege, where the Honourable Commissioner, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, described the project as a transformational step for farmers, pet owners, and the nation’s agricultural landscape. The facility was established through a strategic partnership with Etsu Digital Nigeria Ltd.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Olusanya said the innovation aligns with global trends where technology is reshaping food production, animal health, and agricultural practices. She noted that under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos remains committed to deploying digital tools that enhance efficiency, empower farmers, and protect public health.
“For years, farmers and pet owners across the country have struggled to access timely, professional veterinary care,” she said. “Today’s launch provides a groundbreaking solution, making certified veterinary expertise available to everyone, everywhere.”
The Tele-Veterinary Call Centre expands the scope of two existing mobile-based services already active on MTN and Glo:
• M-Agric, which offers daily expert tips, mentorship, and value-chain training for farmers — with over ₦50 million rewarded to beneficiaries nationwide; and
• M-Health, a tele-veterinary companion that provides easy-to-understand guidance for livestock and pets.
By dialing *20791#, users anywhere in Lagos and across Nigeria can subscribe and instantly connect to these services. What makes the new platform remarkable is its dedicated call centre, now fully operational and staffed round-the-clock by certified Veterinary Consultants from the Lagos State Government.
The Centre will provide:
• 24/7 emergency support,
• First-aid instructions,
• Disease-prevention guidance, and
• Real-time professional veterinary advice for livestock, pets, and even crops.
The service is free for active M-Agric and M-Health subscribers, while new users can access expert support for just ₦100 per day — eliminating the burden of long-distance travel, clinic waits, and costly emergency care.
Ms. Olusanya described Tele-VET as more than a digital helpline, emphasizing its value in safeguarding public health, strengthening food safety, and boosting productivity. By improving disease surveillance and limiting the spread of zoonotic infections, the platform supports the global One World, One Health framework, which underscores the connection between human, animal, and environmental well-being.
She added that the initiative sets the stage for broader agricultural innovation, including future livestock and pet health insurance schemes, e-commerce opportunities for animal services, improved mobility for veterinary care, and expanded financial support for farmers.
“With this Call Centre in operation, we expect reduced animal mortality, faster disease reporting, better veterinary reach across communities, and improved data for policy planning,” she stated. “From Ikorodu to Epe, from Surulere to Agege, and across Nigeria, this service will support every farmer, pet owner, and animal health practitioner.”
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to Etsu Digital Nigeria Ltd., veterinary professionals, and the Ministry’s team for their contributions in bringing the project to life.
She encouraged farmers and pet owners to embrace the service, saying, “Let us build a future where no animal is lost because help could not come on time.”
She reaffirmed the Lagos State’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth in the agriculture sector.
