Nigeria livestock productivity and resilience initiatives

The Nigerian government is implementing the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) to enhance animal health, food safety, and economic growth.

Initial efforts included the establishment of 21 modern veterinary hospitals across various states. These facilities are equipped with diagnostic laboratories, surgical theatres, and pharmacies to combat animal diseases and improve livestock productivity. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, noted that the project aims to eventually extend clinics to every local government area to address critical shortages in veterinary personnel.

Further developments under the L-PRES project include hygiene and sanitation training for 300 butchers and abattoir workers in Kogi State. This state has also constructed eight model slaughterhouses and eight wet markets featuring waste management facilities. Additionally, the federal government launched the Private Veterinary Services (PVS) Scheme in Ondo State. This initiative provides private veterinarians and paraprofessionals with medical kits, vaccination equipment, and mobility tools, such as motorcycles, to expand animal healthcare access in rural communities.