As part of efforts to deepen investment in livestock infrastructure and improve value chain efficiency, the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project has commenced the procurement process for key facilities across the state, opening bids for the construction and rehabilitation of critical assets.
The planned projects include three livestock improvement breeding centres, three modern slaughterhouses, and the upgrade of eight wet markets, all aimed at strengthening production systems and ensuring better standards in processing and distribution.
At the bid opening ceremony held in Lokoja on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary in the Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Abdulsalam Hadi, described the initiative as a practical step towards repositioning the livestock sector.
He noted that the interventions would not only raise productivity levels but also improve food safety while supporting the livelihoods of farmers and other actors within the value chain.
Hadi, who also serves as Chairman of the State Technical Committee of the L PRES project, urged participating firms to maintain high ethical standards throughout the process.
He stressed that transparency, accountability and professionalism must guide all stages of procurement to ensure credibility and fairness.
In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator, Abdulkabir Otaru, explained that the new projects build on ongoing investments already underway in the state. According to him, construction work is currently progressing on nine livestock markets, while contracts for a livestock service centre and five slaughterhouses have already been awarded and are at different stages of execution.
He said the latest round of bidding reflects the government’s commitment to expanding infrastructure that supports livestock production clusters and improves overall sector performance. Otaru added that once the evaluation process is completed, successful contractors would be selected to commence work within a defined timeframe.
Beyond infrastructure, he pointed out that the initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women, while also raising income levels for livestock farmers across the state.
Otaru further disclosed that the L PRES programme operates as a six-year intervention supported by the World Bank, with the Kogi State Government consistently fulfilling its counterpart funding requirements to unlock financial support. He acknowledged Governor Usman Ododo for fostering a policy environment that has enabled the project to move forward and contribute to agricultural development.
He assured that the project team remains committed to aligning its activities with the state’s broader vision of strengthening livestock value chains and enhancing economic opportunities within the sector.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria in Kogi State, Professor Usman Omeiza, commended the conduct of the exercise, describing it as open and in line with established procurement standards. He noted that participants expressed confidence in the fairness of the process.
Some of the bidders shared similar views. Representatives of participating firms, including FAAB Global Resources Nigeria Limited and AMAT Integrated Services Limited, praised the organisation of the exercise, highlighting its transparency and adherence to due process.
The next phase of the exercise will involve a detailed review of submitted bids, a process expected to last several weeks, after which contracts will be awarded to the most qualified firms. Project timelines indicate that construction and rehabilitation work will be completed within a period ranging from six months to one year.
