Kogi State Flags Off Rehabilitation of Nine Livestock Markets to Boost Economy, Meet Global Standards

Kogi State has officially launched a major initiative to rehabilitate nine livestock markets across its three senatorial districts, marking a significant step towards modernizing the state’s agricultural sector. The project, overseen by the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES) Project, is being executed with World Bank financing.

The rehabilitation program, which covers one livestock market in each of the state’s nine federal constituencies in its first phase, is designed to enhance productivity and strengthen the entire livestock value chain. The state’s commitment to the project was underscored by a recent bid opening ceremony held at the Kogi L-PRES office in Lokoja, where five construction firms submitted bids for the project, which has an expected completion period of 12 months.

According to Mr. Abdulkabir Otaru, the Kogi L-PRES Project Coordinator, the initiative represents a “new dawn” for the state’s livestock value chain. He noted that the modernized markets will play a pivotal role in revitalizing the sector, which is vital to Kogi’s economy and overall food security.

“The rehabilitated markets will enhance productivity, strengthen the livestock value chain across the state, and provide hygienic and efficient spaces that meet international standards,” said the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Olufemi Bolarin. The modernization effort is expected to improve trading conditions, attract more commercial activity, and directly boost the livelihoods of farmers and traders in the region.

The project is aligned with the state government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector, using data-driven interventions to address current challenges and promote economic growth. The rehabilitation is anticipated to solidify Kogi’s position as a major regional hub for livestock trade.