By Noah Ocheni
The Kogi State Government on Thursday opened bids for the construction of Phase 1 of the Livestock Service Centre (LSC) in Osara, Adavi Local Government Area, marking a major step in efforts to modernise the livestock sector in the state. The bidding ceremony was held in Lokoja.Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator of the Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza Otaru, said the initiative represents a significant milestone toward improving productivity and enhancing the livelihoods of livestock farmers and value chain actors.He explained that the LSC is a livestock agribusiness hub approved under the L-PRES Project and will house facilities designed to modernise livestock production across Kogi State.Otaru assured bidders and stakeholders of a fair and transparent procurement process, emphasising that the project would adhere strictly to World Bank procurement guidelines.“
We have our specifications as contained in the bidding documents, and we will continue to maintain the standards prescribed by the World Bank to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the sub-projects toward achieving the L-PRES Project Development Objective,” he said.The coordinator revealed that the Kogi L-PRES Project had earlier conducted a successful procurement exercise, leading to the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of nine livestock markets across the state’s three senatorial districts. He added that the project has also awarded the contract for constructing a model veterinary hospital in Kogi State.Otaru further disclosed that the World Bank has approved the construction of five model slaughterhouses in the state, with the procurement process set to commence soon. Feasibility studies and designs are also underway for a climate-smart abattoir in Lokoja and poultry cottage processing centres across the state.He expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his political will and vision to transform the livestock sector into a modern, competitive and resilient agribusiness venture capable of driving food security and economic growth.
Otaru also commended the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar; the World Bank Task Team Leader, Dr. Manievel Sene; the Co-Task Team Leader, Dr. Chidozie Anyiro; and members of the national and World Bank coordination teams for their technical support.In his remarks, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, represented by Elder Peter Ali, described the bid opening as a strategic step in the state’s commitment to strengthening the livestock sector.
A total of 32 firms purchased bidding documents, and 29 companies successfully submitted their bids across four lots as of 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, 4 December 2025.
