The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRESS) has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening livestock research and boosting productivity in Nigeria.
This followed the inauguration of key infrastructure at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Zaria, by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha.
Speaking at the event, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRESS, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, said the newly inaugurated facilities marked a major boost to institutional capacity and innovation within the livestock sector. He explained that the interventions were executed under Component One of the L-PRESS Project, which focuses on institutional and innovation system strengthening.
According to him, the support provided to NAPRI includes the construction of a modern hay barn, a fully equipped pasture seed processing unit with storage facilities, and solar-powered boreholes with water troughs to enhance forage production and livestock nutrition.
Abubakar noted that NAPRI remains Nigeria’s leading livestock research institute, playing a critical role in research, policy support and technology development for sustainable animal production.
He further disclosed that a contract had been awarded for the upgrade of NAPRI’s Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Unit, including paddock rehabilitation for breed multiplication. Other interventions include renovation of the bull stud and semen collection parlour, construction of a liquid nitrogen house, and upgrading of the Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Laboratory.
The project coordinator revealed that the World Bank recently rated the L-PRESS project as satisfactory, with strong prospects for additional financing and extension. As a result, further interventions have been approved for NAPRI, including upgrades to dairy facilities, improvements in Shika Brown layer chicken production, and the selection of a broiler strain.
He added that the World Bank has also approved the provision of solar-powered boreholes across selected gazetted grazing reserves nationwide to address water scarcity and reduce conflict drivers.
In his remarks, Maiha said the interventions aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and described the facilities as strategic investments aimed at tackling challenges in feed availability, pasture development and water access for livestock research and production.
“Feed and pasture development remain critical to improving livestock productivity in Nigeria. These facilities will enable NAPRI to deliver practical, demand-driven solutions that strengthen animal production systems and enhance food security,” he said.
The minister urged NAPRI to fully utilise the new facilities and deepen its role as a centre of excellence for livestock research, innovation and technology dissemination.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, pledged the university’s support for the initiative, noting that NAPRI remains central to national efforts to modernise livestock production, address climate challenges and strengthen food systems.