The Federal Government through the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, has commissioned a 40-million-dose Strategic Veterinary Vaccine Cold Storage Facility, launched a Livestock Processing Facility and engaged key stakeholders to accelerate livestock development in Edo State.
The events, held in Benin City on June 26th 2026, were led by the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, alongside the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who represented Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Also in attendance were the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, officials of the Edo State Ministry of Livestock Development, development partners, livestock farmers, veterinary professionals, private sector investors and other stakeholders.
Commissioning the solar-powered 40-million-dose Strategic Veterinary Vaccine Cold Storage Facility, the Minister said the project would strengthen vaccine storage and distribution, improve animal disease control, reduce vaccine losses and enhance livestock productivity nationwide. He noted that the facility forms part of the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen Nigeria’s veterinary cold-chain system through the L-PRES Project.
The Minister and the Deputy Governor also inaugurated the Livestock Processing Facility, which is expected to promote value addition, improve food safety, create jobs and expand market opportunities for livestock producers in Edo State.
During the stakeholders’ engagement, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with state governments, development partners, investors and livestock producers to modernise the sector, increase productivity and unlock more economic opportunities.
In his remarks, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, described the vaccine cold storage facility as a major investment in Nigeria’s animal health system. He said it would strengthen vaccine management, improve disease prevention and support efforts to build a more resilient and productive livestock sector. He also appreciated the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Edo State Government, the World Bank, development partners and other stakeholders for their continued support.
The commissioning of the two facilities and the stakeholders’ engagement underscore the Federal Government’s commitment, through the World Bank-supported L-PRES Project, to strengthening livestock infrastructure, improving animal health services, promoting agribusiness and driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s livestock sector.
