By Ammar M. Rajab A renowned snake expert and specialist in snakebite management, Dr. Garba Umar (Ubale) , has urged Nigeria to explore t...
By Ammar M. Rajab
A renowned snake expert and specialist in snakebite management, Dr. Garba Umar (Ubale), has urged Nigeria to explore the enormous economic potential of snake farming, arguing that the country could generate substantial revenue from the sector and reduce its overreliance on crude oil exports.
Speaking during an interview with Basira TV, Dr. Umar said snake venom is among the world's most valuable biological resources, commanding exceptionally high prices in international markets due to its critical role in the production of antivenoms, pharmaceutical products, and biomedical research materials.
According to him, several countries have established commercial snake farms dedicated to the breeding of venomous snakes and the extraction of venom for medical and scientific purposes. He noted that Nigeria possesses both the expertise and natural resources necessary to develop a similar industry.
“Nigeria does not have to depend solely on crude oil. If even a single state establishes a properly managed snake farm staffed by trained professionals, venom can be harvested and processed for commercial use. The value of snake venom exceeds that of gold and diamonds in the global market,” he said.
Dr. Umar explained that strategic investment in snake farming could create a sustainable source of foreign exchange earnings, while also opening new opportunities for employment, research, and economic diversification at both the state and national levels.
The expert further called on the Federal Government and state governments to strengthen efforts toward addressing the growing public health challenge posed by snakebite envenoming. He noted that Nigeria records some of the highest incidences of venomous snake encounters and snakebite cases globally.
He advocated the establishment of more specialised snakebite treatment centres across the country and increased government support for the procurement of antivenoms, which remain costly and often inaccessible to many victims.
Dr. Umar also encouraged young Nigerians to pursue education and professional training in herpetology, venom research, and snakebite management, stressing that expanding the pool of qualified experts would enhance public safety and improve the country's capacity to respond to snakebite emergencies.
He equally urged citizens to maintain proper environmental sanitation, particularly during the rainy season, warning that poorly maintained drainage systems and overgrown surroundings often serve as entry routes and habitats for snakes.
Dr. Umar concluded that with the right investment, policy support, and professional expertise, Nigeria could transform snake farming from an overlooked sector into a viable economic industry while simultaneously improving public health outcomes related to snakebite incidents.
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