Lokoja: The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has initiated the bidding process for constructing three Livestock Improvement Breeding Centres (LIBCs), three modern slaughterhouses, and the rehabilitation of eight wet markets statewide. Dr Abdulsalam Hadi, Permanent Secretary of the Kogi Ministry of Livestock Development, officially announced the opening of bids in Lokoja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr Hadi praised the L-PRES project for its efforts to modernize the livestock sector. As the Chairman of the State Technical Committee of L-PRES, he emphasized that these projects aim to enhance productivity, improve food safety standards, and strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and value chain actors. He urged bidders to maintain professionalism, transparency, and integrity throughout the process, highlighting the importance of fairness and accountability.
The permanent secretary reiterated the ministry’s dedication to supporting initiatives that foster innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth in the livestock sector. Earlier, Mr Abdulkabir Otaru, the Project Coordinator, stated that the initiative aims to provide essential infrastructure to livestock value chain clusters, thereby boosting productivity in the state. He noted that similar efforts have been successful in the past, with construction underway for nine livestock markets across the state.
Mr Otaru explained that contracts have been awarded for a Livestock Service Centre and five slaughterhouses, with ongoing work. He expressed optimism about the bid opening for the three LIBCs, three slaughterhouses, and eight wet markets, noting that the next phase involves evaluating the bids and awarding contracts soon. The project is expected to create job opportunities for women and youths, improve livelihoods, and increase income for livestock farmers.
He highlighted that L-PRES is a six-year World Bank-assisted project, with the state government consistently paying counterpart funding to access the facility. The coordinator commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo for providing a conducive environment for implementing the project and developing the livestock sector. He assured the team’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate, with bid evaluation expected to take a few weeks.
Contracts will be awarded to the most responsive bidders, with projects anticipated to be completed within six months to one year. Prof. Usman Omeiza, Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN), Kogi Chapter, described the process as transparent and compliant with procurement procedures.
Bidders expressed satisfaction and confidence in the process, with Mr Shobowale Abdukoyim of FAAB Global Resources Nigeria Ltd. describing it as efficient and transparent. Mr Vincent Obanje of AMAT Integrated Services Ltd. rated the process highly, commending the openness of the exercise. The bidders remain optimistic about a transparent selection process that provides equal opportunities for all participants.