By Gabriel Ewepu

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has recorded significant success, with over 388,000 farmers benefiting directly and more than 101,000 adopting improved livestock technologies across 20 participating states.

The project, a major initiative of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development supported by the World Bank with $500 million, recently concluded its Mid-Term Review, highlighting strong progress in transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector.

According to project officials, the interventions have positively impacted over 1.44 million Nigerians, surpassing the original target.

Key achievements include substantial increase in productivity with milk production per cow rising from 274.5 litres to 375.9 litres annually, while cattle carcass weight improved from 135kg to 160kg. Over 23.3 million animals have been vaccinated against major diseases such as Anthrax, CBPP, PPR, FMD, and Newcastle Disease. Seven model veterinary hospitals have been completed or are under construction, and more than 6,184 personnel have received specialized training. Additionally, 1,492 farmers have benefited from artificial insemination services, with over 3,489 cattle inseminated to improve breeding and genetics.

The National Project Coordinator, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, described the results as visible and impactful on the ground, while the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to reposition the livestock sector as a major driver of economic growth, food security, and rural development.

The L-PRES Project focuses on improving livestock productivity, resilience, and commercialisation across beef, dairy, sheep, goat, poultry, and feed value chains.