The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has opened bids for the construction of three Livestock Improvement Breeding Centres (LIBCs), three modern slaughterhouses, and the rehabilitation of eight wet markets across the state.
Dr. Abdulsalam Hadi, Permanent Secretary of the Kogi Ministry of Livestock Development, declared the bid open on Thursday in Lokoja.
He praised the L-PRES project for modernizing the livestock sector. Hadi, also Chairman of the State Technical Committee of L-PRES, said the projects would boost productivity, improve food safety, and strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and value chain actors.
He urged bidders to maintain professionalism, transparency, and integrity, emphasizing fairness and accountability. Hadi also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth in the livestock sector.
Earlier, Project Coordinator Abdulkabir Otaru explained that the initiative aims to provide critical infrastructure to livestock value chain clusters and enhance productivity across the state.
READ ALSO: Understanding who owns agricultural business between North and South – Ali A. Ali
“We have done this before, and it is yielding results. Construction of nine livestock markets is ongoing. Contracts have also been awarded for a Livestock Service Centre and five slaughterhouses, with work already in progress. Today’s bid opening for three LIBCs, three slaughterhouses, and eight wet markets was successful. We look forward to evaluating the bids and awarding contracts soon,” Otaru said.
He noted that the project would create job opportunities for women and youth, improve livelihoods, and increase farmers’ incomes. Otaru added that L-PRES is a six-year World Bank-assisted project and commended the state government for consistent counterpart funding.
The coordinator praised Gov. Ahmed Ododo for providing an enabling environment for the project and assured that the team is committed to delivering its mandate. The next stage, bid evaluation, is expected to take a few weeks, with contracts awarded to the most responsive bidders. Project completion is projected within six months to one year.
Also speaking, Prof. Usman Omeiza, Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN), Kogi chapter, described the bidding process as transparent and compliant with procurement standards.
Some bidders also commended the exercise. Mr. Shobowale Abdukoyim of FAAB Global Resources Nigeria Ltd. called the process efficient and transparent, while Mr. Vincent Obanje of AMAT Integrated Services Ltd. praised its openness.
Bidders expressed confidence that the selection process would remain fair and provide equal opportunities for all participants.
