The Kogi government has taken a significant step toward boosting the livestock sector with the bid opening for construction works, Phase 1 of the Livestock Service Centre (LSC) Osara, in Adavi.

The LSC construction is one of the key infrastructural components of the Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES) Project, supported by the World Bank.

Abdulkabir Otaru, the Kogi L-PRES project coordinator at the ceremony Lokoja, said on Friday in Lokoja that the initiative marked a milestone in the state’s efforts to reposition the livestock sector.

Mr Otaru said it would improve productivity and livelihoods of the livestock farmers and key value chain actors in the state.

“The LSC is a livestock agribusiness hub approved under the L-PRES Project and shall comprise facilities to modernise the livestock production in Kogi.”

Mr Otaru assured the prospective bidders and stakeholders of a fair and transparent procurement process, noting that the L-PRES project would strictly adhere to the World Bank Procurement Procedures.

“We have our specifications as contained in the Bidding Documents and we shall continue to maintain standards as prescribed by the World Bank.

“This is to ensure successful implementation and Sustainability of the Sub-projects toward the achievement of the L-PRES Project Development Objective (PDO) in Kogi,” he said.

He also revealed that Kogi L-PRES had earlier conducted a successful procurement process and awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of nine Livestock Markets across the three senatorial districts of the state.

He added that it had awarded a contract for the construction of a Model Veterinary Hospital, and secured World Bank’s approval to construct five model slaughter houses, and the procurement process will commence soon.

“The L-PRES project aims to transform the livestock sector, improve livestock productivity, create jobs, and enhance the livelihoods of the livestock farmers and key value chain actors in Kogi,” he said.

He commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his vision and political will to transform the livestock sector into a modern, competitive, and resilient agribusiness venture.

He emphasised that the governor’s support would ensure economic growth at the livestock value chain clusters, food safety and security in Kogi.

Mr Otaru further commended Sanusi Abubakar, L-PRES national project coordinator, World Bank and others for their technical support and guidance.

The commissioner for livestock development, Olufemi Bolarin, represented by Peter Ali, described the ceremony as a key moment in the state’s efforts to boost the livestock sector.

He highlighted the centre’s potential to provide essential services and support to livestock farmers, promoting sustainable livestock agribusiness practices and productivity.

The permanent secretary, ministry of livestock development, Abdulsalam Hadi, emphasised the importance of the LSC to livestock development in the state.

Mr Hadi emphasised that it would lay the foundation for a stronger livestock sector, a more prosperous livestock economy, and a better future for the people of Kogi.

Siyaka Amoka, director procurement, State Bureau of Public Procurement, expressed confidence that the most qualified and responsive firms would emerge.

Kogi L-PRES procurement officer, Adeolu Oshadare, said the projects were advertised on October 24, requesting bids from qualified companies.

He said the advertisement comprised infrastructural sub-projects under the LSC, which included: Lot 1: Construction of 5km interconnecting roads with asphalt laying and drainage.

“Lot 2: Construction of Administrative Building; Lot 3: Construction of both Security and Fire Service Units and Lot 4: Construction of Staff Quarters.”

According to Mr Oshadare, 32 firms expressed interest by purchasing the bidding documents, and 29 firms successfully submitted their bids before the deadline.

He added that the evaluation committee would assess the bids within the next few weeks before the final selection.

(NAN)