Nigeria’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has selected Abia for the construction of a new veterinary hospital.
The development marked a significant milestone in the state government’s efforts to strengthen animal health systems, improve food safety and boost agricultural productivity.
L-PRES, a World Bank-assisted initiative coordinated at the federal level, has 26 states participating in it.
It aligned with the agricultural transformation agenda of Gov. Alex Otti, who has consistently prioritised food security, livestock development and institutional reforms in Abia State.
A delegation from the L-PRES programme, working with federal authorities, visited the state for the formal handover of the proposed project site.
The team inspected key locations, including the Lokpanta Cattle Market and Umudike, the planned relocation area for the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, said that the project would significantly improve livestock health, reduce the risk of animal-borne diseases and enhance productivity across the livestock sector.
“They are here to identify and formally hand over a property where a veterinary hospital will be established.
“The goal is to ensure healthier livestock that meet international hygiene standards and provide safer meat for our people, “Agbaeze told journalists after the inspection.
He noted that the state’s selection for the project reflected the confidence reposed in its agricultural reforms under the leadership of Otti.
Agbaeze emphasised that the administration had demonstrated strong political will and commitment to meeting all programme requirements.
The commissioner confirmed that the state had fulfilled its financial obligations under the World Bank-financed component of the project.
He disclosed that construction of the veterinary hospital would commence as soon as the site selection process was concluded.
“The expectation at the end of this project is healthier animals, increased productivity and reduced transmission of livestock diseases to humans,” he said.
“It will be an all-of-government effort, with collaboration where necessary with the health sector, in line with Gov. Otti’s integrated approach to development,” he said.
Corroborating, Issa Sikiru, a consultant with Rahis Global Concepts and member of the technical team, explained that the veterinary hospital would cater to a wide range of livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.
“This project is about the wellbeing of animals.
“Contracts have already been awarded by the national coordinating office in Abuja, and once the site issues are fully resolved, work will commence without delay,” he said.
Community leaders have welcomed the development, describing it as a long-awaited intervention for livestock traders and farmers.
Alhaji Anim Umar, former Chairman of the Lokpanta Cattle Market, said that the project would improve hygiene and animal health at one of the region’s largest livestock hubs.
“We are very happy that this government is bringing the project to us.
“We will support it fully,” Umar said.
The veterinary hospital is expected to be completed within six months of commencement .
It forms part of Otti’s drive to modernise the livestock sector and align it with international best practices.
