The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRESS) has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening livestock research and productivity.

The project’s stance followed the inauguration of key infrastructure at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Zaria.

The facilities were inaugurated by the Minister for Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, in Zaria.

Speaking at the event, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRESS, Sanusi Abubakar, said the newly inaugurated facilities represent a major boost to institutional capacity and innovation in Nigeria’s livestock sector.

Mr Abubakar explained that the interventions were implemented under Component One of the L-PRESS Project, which focuses on institutional and innovation system strengthening.

According to him, the L-PRESS support at NAPRI includes the construction of a modern hay barn, a fully equipped pasture seed processing unit with seed storage, and solar-powered boreholes with water troughs to enhance forage production and livestock nutrition.

He noted that NAPRI, as Nigeria’s foremost livestock research institute, plays a strategic role in research, policy support and technology development for sustainable animal production.

Mr Abubakar further disclosed that the project had awarded a contract for the upgrade of NAPRI’s Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Unit, covering paddock rehabilitation for breed multiplication.

Other projects were the renovation of the bull stud and semen collection parlour, the construction of a liquid nitrogen house, and the upgrading of the Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Laboratory.

The coordinator revealed that the World Bank, during its recent implementation support mission in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, rated the L-PRESS project as satisfactory, with strong potential for additional financing and project extension.

As a result, additional interventions had been approved for NAPRI, including the upgrade of dairy facilities, improvement of Shika Brown layer chicken production, and selection of a broiler strain, among others.

He added that the World Bank had also approved the provision of solar-powered boreholes across selected gazetted grazing reserves nationwide to address water scarcity and reduce conflict drivers.

In his remarks, the minister said the interventions were provided through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in line with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He described the facilities as strategic investments designed to address long-standing challenges in feed availability, pasture development and water access for livestock research and production.

“Feed and pasture development remain critical to improving livestock productivity in Nigeria.

“These facilities are meant to support NAPRI to deliver practical, demand-driven solutions that will strengthen animal production systems and enhance food security,” he said.

Mr Maiha, therefore, charged NAPRI to maximise the opportunities presented by the new facilities and urged the Institute to deepen its role as a centre of excellence for livestock research, innovation and technology dissemination.

Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Adamu Ahmed, pledged the university’s support for the minister’s vision.

He also noted that NAPRI remains central to national efforts to modernise livestock production, address climate challenges and strengthen food systems. 

(NAN)