The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES) Project has taken a significant step towards boosting the state’s livestock sector with the bid opening for the construction of Three (3) Livestock Improvement Breeding Centres (LIBC), Three (3) modern Slaughter Houses, and Rehabilitation and Upgrade of Eight (8) Wet Markets across the state.
Declaring the bid open on Wednesday in Lokoja, the Permanent Secretary, Kogi Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Abdulsalam Hadi, commended the Kogi L-PRES for its efforts in modernising the sector.
“The projects represent a significant step towards improving productivity, enhancing food safety standards, and strengthening the livelihoods of farmers and value chain actors,” he said.
Dr Hadi, who doubles as the Chairman State Technical Committee of L-PRES, urged bidders to uphold professionalism, transparency, and integrity throughout the process, emphasizing the importance of fairness and accountability.
He assured the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth in the livestock sector.
In his welcome address, State Project Coordinator (SPC), Mr Abdulkabir Onuoroyoiza Otaru, said the project is part of efforts to provide infrastructural support to the Livestock Value Chain Clusters, enhance productivity, and the development of the livestock sector in Kogi State.
“We’ve done this before, and it’s paying off. The construction of nine (9) livestock markets is ongoing across the state. We’ve also awarded contracts for the Livestock Service Center and Five (5) Slaughter Houses, with contractors currently working on these projects.
“Today’s bid opening ceremony for the three (3) LIBC, three (3) Slaughter Houses and eight (8) wet markets was successful, and we are looking forward to evaluating the bids and awarding the contracts soon,” Mr Otaru said,
He added that the project will create jobs opportunities for the women and youths, improve livelihoods, and increase income for livestock farmers.
He noted that the Kogi L-PRES Project is a six-year World Bank-assisted project, and the state government has been paying its Counterpart funding timely to access the World Bank funds.
Mr Otaru thanked His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for creating an enabling environment for the implementation of the L-PRES project and the overall development of the livestock sector in Kogi State.
He assured the governor of the Kogi L-PRES Management team’s continued efforts and collaboration to deliver on his mandates for the livestock sector.
“We pledge our commitment and dedication to align with the Kogi State efforts in the development of the agricultural sector, advancing his vision for the development of the livestock value chains “Mr Otaru said.
He noted that the next stage is the evaluation, which would take some weeks, saying the most responsive bidder will be awarded the contract.
According to Mr Otaru, the livestock infrastructure projects are expected to be completed within six months to one year.
Professor Usman Omeiza, Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria, Kogi State, described the process as “very transparent” and in line with procurement procedures.
“The bidders were happy, and they know they were given a fair chance,” Prof. Omeiza said, urging the organization to maintain this level of transparency.
The Bidders Mr. Shobowale Abdukoyim of FAAB Global Resources Nigeria Limited calling the process “efficient and transparent”.
Engineer Vincent Obanje of AMAT Integrated Services Limited, rated the process “very high standard”, praising the openness of the bid opening.
The bidders expressed hope for continued transparency in the selection process, with Obanje emphasizing the need for equal opportunities for all bidders.
