By Khalid Idris Doya
The World Bank has commenced a four-day Mid-Term Review Mission of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in Bauchi, Gombe, and Plateau states to assess progress, identify implementation challenges, and outline measures to ensure the project achieves its development objectives.
Speaking during the L-PRES statewide field mission held at Chartwell Hotel in Bauchi on Monday, the World Bank Co-Task Team Leader for L-PRES, Dr. Chidozie Onyedikachi Anyiro, said the review provides an opportunity for a comprehensive assessment of the project's performance and challenges.
He noted that with about two years remaining before the project closes, there is a need for a realistic and evidence-based evaluation.
"The review allows us to determine what is working well, what is not, and whether adjustments are needed in the project design," he said.
Anyiro added that the exercise would also guide strategic decisions, including possible reallocation of resources and prioritisation of critical areas.
According to him, the review is not merely procedural but serves as an accountability and learning mechanism aligned with the World Bank’s results-based framework and global best practices.
In his remarks, Bauchi State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Bala Musa Lukshi, commended the World Bank for its sustained technical and financial support toward transforming Nigeria's livestock sector.
He said the partnership between the government and the World Bank remains crucial in improving livelihoods, strengthening resilience, and advancing livestock development.
The Commissioner highlighted key achievements recorded in Bauchi since the commencement of the project, including strengthened institutional capacity, expanded extension services, improved access to inputs, enhanced value chain development, and increased private sector participation.
Despite these gains, he acknowledged challenges such as procurement delays, capacity gaps, climate-related risks, and weak data and monitoring systems.
Lukshi reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to providing an enabling environment for the successful implementation of L-PRES.
He also expressed appreciation for the establishment of an ultra-modern livestock service centre at the Galambi cattle ranch, describing it as a major investment that will boost livestock business, job creation, and wealth generation.
For his part, the Bauchi State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Dr. Musa Adamu One, said the state has recorded notable progress in improving access to livestock inputs, strengthening extension services, and increasing participation of smallholder farmers, including women and youth.
He, however, stressed the need to address gaps in implementation, coordination, and monitoring systems, noting that the review serves as both an accountability exercise and a learning opportunity.
He said the importance of the livestock sector to the economy cannot be overemphasised.
Adamu said the sector contributed significantly to food security, employment generation, and poverty reduction.
"Projects such as L-PRES are therefore critical in unlocking the full potential of this sector. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that the project delivers sustainable, inclusive, and measurable impact," he said.
Similarly, the Gombe State Project Coordinator, Prof. Usman Bello Abubakar, said significant progress has been made across key livestock value chains, including beef, dairy, poultry, and small ruminants.
He explained that the state is developing an international livestock market, an ultra-modern abattoir, and a poultry hub integrating production, processing, and marketing.
Abubakar added that the state has established 55 milk producers' cooperative societies and is advancing plans for milk collection and processing facilities.
He noted that artificial insemination programmes and crossbreeding with improved cattle breeds are already yielding positive results in milk production.
Also, the Plateau State Coordinator, Mr. Weka Paul, said the project has strengthened livestock infrastructure, including an ultra-modern abattoir with export potential and improved poultry and dairy production systems.
He added that Plateau State is positioning itself as a key player in livestock and poultry production, supported by improved facilities and strategic partnerships.
Stakeholders agreed that while the project has recorded measurable progress, sustained collaboration, improved efficiency, and stronger monitoring systems are critical to achieving long-term impact.
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