L-PRES Project Boosts Livestock Value Chain to Strengthen Nigerian Economy – Stakeholders Meet in Bauchi

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The National Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project, Alhaji Usman Abubakar, has emphasized the critical role of livestock value chain development in improving Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking during the quarterly Technical Mission meeting held in Bauchi for Technical Operation Officers, Procurement, and Livestock Value Chain Officers from Bauchi, Gombe, and Plateau States, Alhaji Abubakar noted that the gathering was aimed at identifying and addressing challenges hindering the smooth implementation of the L-PRES project at the state level.

He outlined the overarching goal of L-PRES as improving the productivity, commercialization, and resilience of the livestock value chain across the country.

According to him, the productivity component focuses on enhancing livestock production through the provision of water, pasture, and veterinary services. The commercialization aspect targets the upgrading of abattoirs and improving market linkages for livestock farmers. Meanwhile, the resilience component is designed to address climate-related challenges affecting livestock farming.

Alhaji Abubakar commended the Bauchi State L-PRES office for its remarkable work and urged them to maintain the momentum.

He also appreciated the Bauchi State Government for its consistent support in helping the project achieve its goals.

In his remarks, the Technical Operations Manager, Mr. Wasiu Adeoye, urged all State Project Implementing Units to work collaboratively and adhere strictly to the World Bank’s project framework.

He cautioned against ineligible expenditures and emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency to make Nigeria a model of success in livestock development.

Mr Wasiu, further advised participants to follow the project design and implementation pathway diligently to meet the project’s targets.

On his part, the Bauchi State L-PRES Coordinator, Alhaji Musa Adamu One, lauded the National Coordinating Office for its continued support, which he said is changing the negative narrative in the livestock sector.

He, highlighted delays in project approval processes as a key challenge affecting timely implementation in the state.

Alhaji Adamu expressed appreciation for Bauchi being selected to host the quarterly technical support mission, noting that the sessions would foster knowledge-sharing and strengthen coordination among the participating states.

He also commended the National Coordinating Office for refurbishing a modern, well-equipped office in Bauchi, creating a more conducive working environment for the state L-PRES team.

The L-Pres State Coordinator said, the L-PRES project, supported by the World Bank, continues to serve as a transformative initiative aimed at revitalizing livestock farming in Nigeria by making it more productive, commercially viable, and climate-resilient.