The Kogi State government has embarked on a significant upgrade of its livestock infrastructure, commencing rehabilitation work on nine key livestock markets across the state. The project falls under the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES) initiative, signaling a commitment to bolstering the state's livestock sector.

Olufemi Bolarin, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, highlighted Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's dedication to the sector during a stakeholders' engagement and site handover ceremony at Okumi Livestock Market in Lokoja. He urged livestock farmers and marketers to foster peaceful coexistence to maximize the project's benefits and emphasized the governor's focus on security against kidnapping and banditry.

Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza, the State Project Coordinator (SPC), confirmed that the Kogi L-PRES project had secured World Bank approval for the design, completed the procurement process, and awarded the contract to RSA Global Investment Limited. He noted that the handover of the sites signifies the official commencement of construction activities. According to Onoruoyiza, the project is slated for completion within a 6 to 12-month timeframe.

The upgrade aims to address the long-standing challenges of inadequate infrastructure that have hampered the growth and productivity of the livestock sector in Kogi State. Improved facilities are expected to enhance trading activities, reduce post-harvest losses, and attract more investment into the sector. This initiative also aligns with broader efforts to diversify the state's economy and create more employment opportunities.

The state government anticipates that the upgraded livestock markets will not only boost local trade but also attract regional and national players, making Kogi State a more prominent hub for livestock commerce. This comes as Nigeria grapples with rising food prices, and increased livestock productivity could contribute to easing inflationary pressures related to meat and dairy products.

The project's success hinges on continued collaboration between the government, livestock farmers, and other stakeholders. Market watchers believe that the upgrade of these critical infrastructures will lead to a more resilient and productive livestock sector in Kogi State, potentially serving as a model for other states in Nigeria. The development follows increasing government focus on agricultural development to ensure food security.