Nigeria Accelerates Livestock Transformation with Strategic Investments in Edo

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Edo State Government have reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a modern, competitive and investment-driven livestock economy with the commissioning, handover and groundbreaking of strategic livestock infrastructure projects in Edo State.

The landmark investments delivered through the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project demonstrate the Federal Government's commitment to transforming the livestock sector into a major driver of economic growth, food security, job creation, and industrial development through strong partnerships with state governments and private-sector partners.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Edo ultramodern livestock processing facility in Ikpoba Slope, Benin City on Friday 26th June, 2026, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Deputy Governor of Edo State , His Excellency Rt. Honourable Dennis Idahosa ,described the projects as a defining milestone in the state's economic transformation and a significant step towards positioning Edo as a leading destination for livestock production, processing and investment.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Edo State's economic transformation. Through our strong partnership with the Federal Government, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth, expanding opportunities for our people and creating a future in which agriculture and livestock become powerful engines of prosperity.

“We are not waiting for the future to happen; we are creating it. When completed, this facility will become a centre of opportunity; creating jobs, strengthening value chains, improving livelihoods and opening new pathways for wealth creation,” he stated.

Governor Okpebholo commended President Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and appreciated the Federal Government for siting two strategic regional facilities in Edo State, a 40-million-dose capacity solar-powered regional cold storage facility and a model veterinary hospital for the South-South region.

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He added that,  the initiative which aligns with Edo State's SHINE Agenda and the national objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, would strengthen livestock value chains, expand market access for producers, create employment, improve food security and stimulate inclusive economic growth across the state. 

Delivering his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to implementing a bold National Livestock Transformation Agenda designed to unlock the sector's immense economic potential through strategic investments, innovation and partnerships.

“The livestock sector is a strategic economic asset capable of creating millions of jobs, strengthening national food security, supporting industrialization and driving inclusive economic growth. The Federal Government is committed to providing the infrastructure, policy environment and institutional support required to unlock these opportunities across the country,” he said.

The Minister stated that the Ministry will continue to strengthen animal health systems, expand feed and fodder production, modernise livestock production, improve national traceability systems, promote value addition and create greater opportunities for women, youth and private-sector participation throughout the livestock value chain.

The Minister described Edo State as one of Nigeria's emerging livestock investment destinations, citing its strategic location, enabling policy environment, and growing agro-industrial potential. Against this backdrop, he called on investors, development partners, financial institutions, and producer organisations to leverage the enabling infrastructure provided by the government to accelerate sustainable growth in the livestock sector.

The Honourable Commissioner , Ministry of Livestock Development , Engr , Prof Ignatius Ikponmwosa Omorodion ,  commended the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the L- PRES Project in making giant strides to develop  the livestock value chain  by strategically strengthening the  sector, by leveraging on the support provided by L-PRES and the World  Bank to commission  a 40 Million Dose capacity Cold Chain Facility as a hub in Edo state .

This facility he said, has become a major player in Nigeria’s livestock industry, which would not only contribute to the economic growth but also enhance food security for our citizens.

He further said that, this would significantly increase productivity , commercialization and resilience in the livestock sector as well as create the much needed jobs and wealth  within the state.

In his good will message, the National Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience  Support project , Dr. Sanusi Abubakar said that This facility, constructed by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), is a strategic investment aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s animal health system and improving the country’s capacity for effective vaccine storage and distribution.

The livestock sector remains a critical contributor to food security, nutrition, employment, and economic growth. However, the sector continues to face challenges associated with animal diseases, many of which can be effectively prevented and controlled through timely vaccination. The availability of potent vaccines, supported by a functional cold-chain system, is therefore essential for achieving sustainable livestock productivity.

This facility provides a modern, reliable, and environmentally sustainable solution for the storage of animal vaccines. With a capacity of 40 million doses and powered by solar energy, it will enhance the preservation of vaccine potency, strengthen disease prevention and control efforts, and support rapid response to disease outbreaks across the country.

The project aligns with the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the objectives of L-PRES to improve livestock productivity, strengthen resilience within livestock value chains, and enhance institutional capacity for livestock sector development.

In the same vein, the Honourable Minister, held strategic engagements with major stakeholders in the Livestock sector, stating that, this forum would culminate in boosting the economy of Edo State, as we would develop home grown animals that would be slaughtered in the ultramodern abattoir and marketed to other parts of Nigeria, he explained.

Henrietta Okokon

Deputy Director Press and Public relations 

26/6/26