FG, Private Sector Partners to Revive 38 Livestock Facilities Nationwide

News in brief:

-FG will deploy public-private partnerships to rehabilitate 38 ageing livestock facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

-The initiative targets increased private investment, job creation and improved livelihoods within the livestock sector.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the private sector through public-private partnerships to revive 38 legacy livestock facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, recently disclosed this during a specialised training organised by the ministry in Abuja.

Reviving Ageing Livestock Infrastructure

Maiha explained that the facilities, which include centres for milk collection, cattle multiplication, goat and sheep breeding, and pig progeny, were established between 60 and 70 years ago and now require urgent rehabilitation.

According to the minister, adopting a public-private partnership framework offers a faster and more cost-effective option than constructing new infrastructure, while ensuring that the facilities are returned to productive use under sustainable business models.

Model for Growth and Investment

Maiha noted that effective public-private partnership arrangements would unlock private sector investment, drive innovation, create employment opportunities, reduce conflict, enhance productivity, and improve the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians dependent on the livestock value chain.

“The outcome of this training must translate into well-structured public-private partnership projects that are economically viable, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and aligned with national development priorities,” the minister said.

Understanding PPP Roles and Responsibilities

In a presentation at the training, a representative of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Dr Amanze Okere, explained that public-private partnership projects are anchored on mutually beneficial agreements between the government and private sector stakeholders.

He stated that while the government provides policy direction and regulatory oversight, private sector partners contribute technical expertise, operational capacity, maintenance skills, and financing to ensure project sustainability.

The training programme brought together participants from civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, farmers’ associations, and private sector operators, reinforcing the inclusive approach required to successfully implement public-private partnership projects in the livestock sector.