The National Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project has held its quarterly technical mission to boost livestock production in Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau states

The National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Sanusi Abubakar, made the disclosure on Friday, at the end of its two-day mission in Bauchi State, noting that it also covered its Gombe and Plateau offices.

Mr Abubakar said that the mission was distinct from the regular World Bank supervision visits as it identified challenges in states and provided technical solutions to enhance implementation.

He said, “Our goal is to enhance productivity, commercialisation and resilience of Nigeria’s livestock value chain. Improvements in water and pasture resources, abattoir upgrades and better market access for farmers are our key priorities.’’

He commended Bauchi’s performance in the project especially support from the state governor.

“I, however, urge the L-PRES office in the state to re-double its efforts for optimal performance,” he said.

The L-PRES Coordinator in Bauchi, Musa Adamu-One, said the engagement was timely as it would assist the office improve on its performance.

Mr Adamu-One stated, “The engagement allows state technical officers in animal health, husbandry, extension services, procurement and operations to collaborate directly with their national counterparts. This is a moment of stock-taking to assess what we have achieved, plan ahead and strengthen our capacities. We, however, admit that the existing challenges are part of the project’s growth process rather than setbacks.’’

He expressed optimism that by the end of the mission, L-PRES offices in the three states would be better equipped for timely and effective project delivery.

The stakeholders from the three states brainstormed on technical issues affecting project delivery.

The World Bank-assisted L-PRES project operates in 20 Nigerian states under the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

(NAN)