The Federal Government and the Edo State Government have reinforced their commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector with the commissioning, handover and groundbreaking of key livestock infrastructure projects in Edo State.
The projects, delivered under the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project are aimed at boosting livestock productivity, strengthening food security, creating jobs and driving economic growth through strategic partnerships between the Federal Government, state governments and the private sector.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Edo Ultramodern Livestock Processing Facility in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Benin City, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, described the projects as a major milestone in the state’s economic transformation.
He said the investments would position Edo as a leading hub for livestock production, processing and investment while creating employment, strengthening value chains and improving livelihoods.
Governor Okpebholo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and appreciated the Federal Government for locating two strategic regional facilities in Edo State—a 40-million-dose solar-powered regional cold storage facility and a model veterinary hospital for the South-South region.
He noted that the projects align with the state’s SHINE Agenda and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to expand market access, strengthen livestock value chains, enhance food security and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the National Livestock Transformation Agenda through strategic investments, innovation and partnerships.
According to the Minister, the government will continue to modernise livestock production, strengthen animal health systems, expand feed and fodder production, improve livestock traceability and promote greater participation of women, youths and private investors across the livestock value chain.
He described Edo as an emerging livestock investment destination and urged investors, development partners and financial institutions to leverage the new infrastructure to accelerate sustainable growth in the sector.
Also speaking, Edo State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Engr. Prof. Ignatius Ikponmwosa Omorodion, said the 40-million-dose cold chain facility would strengthen Nigeria’s livestock value chain, improve vaccine storage and distribution, enhance food security and contribute significantly to economic growth.
National Coordinator of the L-PRES Project, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, said the solar-powered cold chain facility would improve vaccine preservation, strengthen disease prevention and control and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to respond to livestock disease outbreaks.
The Minister also held strategic engagements with key stakeholders, stressing that the new investments would support the development of locally produced livestock for processing in the ultramodern abattoir and supply markets across Nigeria.
