The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project has commenced the bid opening process for the construction of three livestock improvement breeding centres, three modern slaughter houses and the rehabilitation of eight wet markets across the state.
The projects, which are expected to strengthen the livestock value chain in the state, were officially opened for bidding in Lokoja.
Declaring the exercise open, the Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Abdulsalam Hadi, described the initiative as a major boost for the state’s livestock sector.
According to him, the projects will improve livestock productivity, enhance food safety standards and strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and other actors within the value chain.
He also urged all bidders to maintain professionalism, transparency and integrity throughout the procurement process, stressing the need for fairness and accountability.
Dr. Hadi, who is also Chairman of the State Technical Committee of the L-PRES project, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting programmes that promote innovation, resilience and inclusive growth in the livestock sector.
In his welcome address, the State Project Coordinator of the Kogi L-PRES Project, Abdulkabir Onuoroyoiza Otaru, said the bid process formed part of efforts to provide infrastructure support for livestock value chain clusters and improve overall productivity in the sector.
He noted that the state had already recorded progress through the ongoing construction of nine livestock markets across Kogi, while contracts had earlier been awarded for a livestock service centre and five slaughter houses.
“We have done this before and it is already yielding results. The construction of nine livestock markets is ongoing, while contractors are currently handling the livestock service centre and five slaughter houses already awarded,” he said.
Otaru added that the successful opening of bids for the three breeding centres, three slaughter houses and eight wet markets would soon be followed by the evaluation stage and eventual award of contracts to the most responsive bidders.
He said the projects are expected to create employment opportunities for women and youths, improve livelihoods and increase the income of livestock farmers across the state.
The project coordinator explained that the Kogi L-PRES initiative is a six-year, World Bank-assisted programme, noting that the state government had consistently paid its counterpart funding to enable access to the bank’s support.
He commended Ahmed Usman Ododo for creating an enabling environment for the implementation of the project and for supporting the development of the livestock sector in the state.
Otaru assured the governor that the management of the project would continue to work towards achieving the administration’s vision for livestock and agricultural development in Kogi State.
According to him, the evaluation process for the bids is expected to last several weeks, while the selected projects are projected to be completed within six months to one year.
Also speaking, Usman Omeiza, described the exercise as transparent and in full compliance with procurement procedures.
He said all bidders were satisfied with the process and had been given a fair opportunity to participate.
Representatives of participating firms also commended the conduct of the exercise.
Shobowale Abdukoyim of FAAB Global Resources Nigeria Limited described the bid opening as efficient and transparent.
Similarly, Vincent Obanje of AMAT Integrated Services Limited praised the process, describing it as one conducted to a very high standard and expressing hope that transparency would continue through the contract award stage.
