Taraba’s Livestock Centre To Operate Through Public-Private Partnership

The national project coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, has said the newly-launched Livestock Service Centre (LSC) in Taraba State will operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure sustainability and efficiency.

Dr. Abubakar made the disclosure during the flag-off of the state-of-the-art facility in Sunkani, Ardo-Kola local government area of the state.

He noted that the PPP framework, currently awaiting World Bank ratification, is designed to prevent the centre from becoming a white elephant project.

According to him, the Livestock Service Centre is conceived as a commercially – driven hub that will provide integrated services to livestock farmers, enhance productivity, and strengthen resilience across the value chain.

Governor Agbu Kefas, who officially flagged off the construction of the facility, described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at transforming livestock production from traditional subsistence herding into a modern, high-yield and commercialised enterprise.

The governor, who was represented by his chief of staff, Mr. Jeji Williams, said the initiative would significantly boost food security, stimulate economic growth and position Taraba State among leading livestock producing states in the country.

Earlier, the state L-PRES project coordinator, Mr. Hananiah Albert, outlined the key components of the centre, which will include holding and grazing areas, working chutes, loading ramps, weighbridges, a veterinary clinic, isolation pens, and a dipping vat.

“Additional facilities will comprise Artificial Insemination (AI) stalls, vaccine storage units, feed and fodder sheds, a feed processing unit, as well as water and electricity supply systems, waste management infrastructure, and all weather access roads.”

Albert noted that the centre’s integrated services are expected to drive revenue generation, create employment opportunities, and improve animal health and productivity across the state.