Nigeria launches livestock productivity and resilience initiatives

The Nigerian government is implementing various components of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project to enhance animal health and food safety.

In Kogi State, the L-PRES project, supported by the World Bank, recently trained 300 butchers, meat sellers, and abattoir workers on hygiene, safety, and sanitation. The training, conducted in partnership with Bridge Agrocare Solutions, utilized a “One Health” approach to cover the livestock value chain. The state has also constructed eight model slaughterhouses and eight wet markets, which include waste management facilities like biodigesters.

Additionally, the Federal Government unveiled the Private Veterinary Services (PVS) Scheme, also known as the Sanitary Mandate Programme, in Ondo State. This initiative aims to expand access to animal healthcare in rural communities by engaging private veterinarians and paraprofessionals. Beneficiaries of the scheme receive support kits containing medicines, vaccination equipment, and diagnostic tools, as well as mobility support such as motorcycles and digital reporting tools to facilitate field operations.