The Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank, has extended the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) to 10 additional states as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock industry.
The development was disclosed by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during the L-PRES Implementation Support Mission in Yola, Adamawa State.
The meeting brought together representatives of states already participating in the programme and delegates from the newly included states to assess progress and outline priorities for the next phase of implementation.
According to the ministry, L-PRES has become an important part of the government’s strategy to improve livestock productivity, strengthen resilience and create better economic opportunities across the sector.
The implementation mission was attended by World Bank Task Team Leader, Manivel Sene; Co-Task Team Leader, Dr Chidozie Anyiro; and National Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, alongside other stakeholders.
With the latest expansion, the project now covers 19 states: Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Plateau, Niger, Kwara, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ondo, Ekiti and Oyo.
Government Pushes Livestock Sector Reforms
The expansion comes amid wider efforts by the Federal Government to modernise Nigeria’s livestock industry and increase its contribution to the economy.
The government has been working on reforms to reposition the livestock sector, particularly the red meat value chain, as a more organised, quality-driven and export-oriented industry.
Earlier this year, the government announced plans to reform Nigeria’s livestock export system, targeting a market estimated at about $3.2 billion.
The reforms are expected to improve standards, strengthen value chains and create greater opportunities for Nigerian livestock producers and businesses to participate in international markets.
Government Strengthens Livestock Data System
The Ministry of Livestock Development is also working to improve the availability and management of data across the sector through the National Livestock Information Management System (NLIMS).
The system is expected to provide a central platform for collecting, managing and analysing livestock-related information, giving government and industry stakeholders more reliable data for planning, investment and policy decisions.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, said the initiative was developed to address longstanding challenges associated with fragmented and inadequate livestock data.
She said the platform would support better coordination, monitoring and reporting while providing information needed to guide the sustainable development of the industry.
L-PRES Focuses on Productivity and Resilience
L-PRES is a World Bank-supported initiative designed to improve productivity, resilience and commercial opportunities within Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Its interventions include strengthening animal health services, developing livestock infrastructure, improving value chains and building the capacity of farmers and other industry participants.
The addition of 10 states expands the programme’s geographical reach and supports the Federal Government’s broader plan to make livestock a stronger contributor to food security, economic growth and export earnings.
