The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced stakeholder engagement towards developing a sustainability plan for livestock infrastructure constructed across 20 states.
Speaking at a workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, expressed concern over the number of development projects abandoned following the withdrawal of funding partners.
The workshop, themed “Beyond L-PRES: What Next?”, focused on ensuring the sustainability of animal health and husbandry infrastructure established under the project.
Abubakar stated that the primary aim of the workshop was to develop a comprehensive and actionable sustainability plan that would serve as an effective exit strategy for L-PRES, while ensuring the lasting impact of its investments.
According to him, the forum brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including development partners.
“It is to deliberate on strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability, optimal use, and effective maintenance of critical livestock infrastructure after the project’s conclusion.
“The workshop seeks to address common challenges such as poor maintenance, underutilisation, and the frequent abandonment of donor-funded infrastructure projects in Nigeria,” he said.
Abubakar outlined the workshop’s objectives, which include formulating a robust sustainability plan to ensure the continuity and long-term viability of all animal health and livestock infrastructure developed under L-PRES.
Other objectives, he noted, are the development of sustainable economic strategies through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to support the ongoing operation of the infrastructure.
He added that the workshop also aims to create incentive frameworks to encourage suppliers and industry practitioners to adopt and support existing livestock infrastructure for mutual benefit.
“Further goals include promoting private sector involvement in animal health services and encouraging community participation in safeguarding livestock infrastructure.
“The workshop is also intended to harness expert insights, best practices, and innovative approaches from key industry players to guide the implementation of sustainable infrastructure practices,” he added.
Abubakar identified L-PRES as a $500 million World Bank-funded project aimed at transforming animal health services, improving livestock productivity, strengthening value chains, and enhancing the resilience of livestock-reliant communities nationwide.
He noted that the project had made strategic investments in critical animal health and husbandry infrastructure across the country, including model veterinary hospitals, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, solar-powered cold storage facilities, and modern abattoirs.
“These investments are designed to strengthen animal health delivery systems, improve food safety and security, protect public health, and stimulate economic development within the livestock sector,” he said.
Also,the World Bank Co-Task Team Leader for L-PRES, Dr Chidozie Anyiro revealed that livestock infrastructure under the project is valued at over $200 million.
He stressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability and effective management of the facilities constructed, in order to avoid the common pitfall of post-project neglect.
“Effective management and long-term functionality of livestock infrastructure are critical to achieving sustainability, enhancing efficiency, improving animal welfare, and increasing livestock production.
“By exploring best practices, innovative solutions, and addressing prevailing challenges, we can collectively improve the performance and longevity of livestock infrastructure in Nigeria,” Anyiro said.
NAN
