ASHENEWS reports that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the World Bank‘s L-PRES project, is embracing a Public Private Partnership (PPP) strategy to enhance livestock production and boost the economy.
This platform reports that the objective of the L-PRES is to improve the productivity, commercialization, and resilience of targeted livestock production systems in Nigeria.
ASHENEWS recalls that the 36 state governors under the aegis of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) had unanimously resolved to spearhead the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (LPRES) – a six-year US$500 million World Bank programme in their various states.
“The Forum received presentations from the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, on the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (LPRES) – a 6-year US$500 million World Bank programme aimed at improving the productivity, commercialization, and resilience of targeted livestock production systems in Nigeria.
“Governors unanimously decided to spearhead the programme in their states, particularly in areas such as institutional and innovation systems strengthening, livestock value-chain enhancement, crisis prevention and conflict mitigation, and project coordination,” the Governors stated in a communique.
The initiative also aims to encourage, sustain, and expand entrepreneurial activities within the livestock sector.
During the second mission and assessment exercise in Sokoto on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of the L-PRES project, Mr. Sanusi Abubakar, emphasized the federal government’s commitment to implementing effective plans through PPP.
According to him, “Our visit aims to evaluate the state government’s preparedness to achieve the project’s objectives and ensure reliable and profitable use of key drivers and components.”
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Abubakar highlighted visits to the state’s modern abattoir and dairy plant, noting the production capacities observed.
He assured that financial support, a crucial driver, would be accessible to those in the livestock business.
Abubakar also praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto’s efforts to reposition agriculture for greater viability.
State Chairman of the Livestock and Butcher Association, Abdullahi Mijin Yawa, expressed optimism, stating that with L-PRES intervention, more cows, camels, and meat would be produced for both commercial and local consumption.
“We have the capacity and demand; all we need is sustained intervention to enhance the business for economic prosperity,” Yawa said.
The PPP initiative is poised to significantly improve the livestock sector, ensuring increased productivity and economic benefits for Sokoto State and beyond.
