The Kogi State Government has launched a major initiative to rehabilitate nine livestock markets across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The bid opening ceremony for the project was held on Friday at the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES) Project office in Lokoja.
Project Coordinator, Mr. Abdulkabir Otaru, highlighted the significance of the initiative and assured stakeholders of a transparent and fair selection process.
Otaru described the rehabilitation effort as a new dawn in Kogi’s livestock value chain and commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support.
He disclosed that the World Bank had approved the first phase of the project, which covers one livestock market in each of the nine federal constituencies of the state.
“We have secured World Bank approval for one livestock market rehabilitation in each of Kogi’s nine federal constituencies,” Otaru said.
He added that all relevant stakeholders had been engaged to ensure a smooth bidding process and successful project execution.
Otaru urged the winning contractor to deliver quality work within the specified timeframe and in line with global best practices.
He noted that Governor Ododo’s support for the L-PRES Project had been instrumental in improving farmers’ livelihoods and boosting the state’s economy.
Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, said the initiative would revitalize the livestock sector, which plays a vital role in Kogi’s economy and food security.
“The modernized markets will improve trading conditions, boost livelihoods, and provide hygienic and efficient spaces that meet international standards,” Bolarin said.
Represented by the Director of Livestock, Mr. Ali Peter, the commissioner emphasized the need for transparency and strict compliance with bidding guidelines.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Abdulsalam Hadi, commended the governor for his commitment to transforming livestock development in Kogi and expressed confidence in the project’s success.
Kogi L-PRES Procurement Officer, Mr. Adeolu Oshadare, disclosed that five companies submitted bids valued between ₦1.22 billion and ₦2.12 billion.
He said the project was advertised on September 12, and bids were received by October 10 from qualified companies.
According to Oshadare, the bids include: Nuelika Infinity Ltd. (₦1.54 billion) ;Izyprecs Ltd. (₦1.55 billion) ;Emmanuel-NIK & Gold Ltd. (₦1.47 billion) ;RSA Global Ltd. (₦1.22 billion) ;Numora Integrated Ltd. (₦2.12 billion)
He added that the evaluation committee would assess the bids within a week before the final selection.
Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Kogi branch, Prof. Usman Omeiza, commended the transparent bidding process and urged stakeholders to maintain transparency and accountability throughout the project’s execution.
