The drive to reposition Taraba State’s livestock and agricultural sectors has received a boost as the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project commences procurement for major infrastructure interventions designed to improve livestock productivity, environmental sanitation and economic opportunities for farming and pastoralist communities.
The intervention, which covers the rehabilitation of critical facilities at the Mutum-Biyu Abattoir, construction of two Farmer Field Schools and establishment of four Wet Markets across the state, is expected to address infrastructure deficiencies that have continued to affect agricultural production, livestock processing and market access.
The procurement process commenced with a bid-opening ceremony in Jalingo on Tuesday, marking an important step towards the implementation of the proposed projects.
At the heart of the intervention is the Mutum-Biyu Abattoir, where the construction of stormwater culverts, improvement of access roads and provision of environmental sanitation facilities are expected to tackle persistent drainage and hygiene challenges.
Beyond improving the physical condition of the abattoir, the intervention is aimed at creating a cleaner and safer environment for livestock processing, with positive implications for food safety, environmental health and public welfare.
Speaking during the ceremony, the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Hananiah G. Albert, said the projects were designed to address critical infrastructure gaps, strengthen livestock and agricultural value chains and improve the livelihoods of farmers and other stakeholders.
Albert, who was represented by the state’s LPRES ICT and Communication Officer, Mr. Ezra Artimas, explained that the proposed improvements at the Mutum-Biyu Abattoir would enhance drainage systems, improve accessibility and promote better sanitary conditions for operators and other users of the facility.
He described the Farmer Field Schools and Wet Markets as important components of the intervention, noting that they would provide improved platforms for agricultural training, knowledge sharing and capacity development.
According to him, the facilities would strengthen production activities, expand marketing opportunities and improve farmers’ access to markets, thereby contributing to a more productive and resilient agricultural sector.
The project also reflects the growing importance of infrastructure in addressing challenges across the livestock value chain, particularly the need to connect production, processing, training and marketing activities.
However, Albert emphasised that achieving these objectives would require a credible procurement process capable of ensuring quality delivery and accountability.
He assured participating bidders that all submissions would be evaluated objectively in line with established procurement guidelines, stressing that transparency, fairness and accountability remained central to the exercise.
He urged contractors and other stakeholders to uphold professionalism and integrity, adding that the ultimate objective was to ensure value for money, quality infrastructure and sustainable benefits for the people of Taraba State.
Albert also recognised the contributions of the Taraba State Government, development partners, procurement officials and other stakeholders towards the implementation of the projects.
For the Taraba State Livestock Commission, the proposed intervention carries significant implications for environmental sanitation, food safety and the relationship between farming and pastoralist communities.
The Director of the Commission, Dame Musa, said the planned improvements at the Mutum-Biyu Abattoir would address longstanding environmental challenges, particularly poor sanitation and conditions that could pose risks to public health.
She explained that properly equipped Farmer Field Schools would provide farmers and pastoralists with opportunities to acquire practical knowledge and skills in sustainable livestock management.
Musa further highlighted the potential of the training facilities to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists, noting that improved livestock management practices and capacity building could encourage healthier relationships between the two communities.
Her remarks underscored the broader significance of the LPRES intervention, which extends beyond infrastructure development to include knowledge transfer, improved agricultural practices and stronger community relationships.
Meanwhile, some bidders who spoke with The Guardian expressed confidence in the procurement process, describing it as transparent and commending the LPRES project team for its conduct.
The projects form part of the broader LPRES initiative aimed at strengthening livestock and agricultural production systems, improving market infrastructure and building resilience among farming and pastoralist communities across Taraba State.
As the procurement process progresses, expectations will increasingly centre on the timely execution of the projects and their capacity to translate into tangible improvements in the lives of beneficiaries.
Ultimately, the success of the intervention will be measured not only by the construction of roads, drainage systems, training centres and markets, but also by its impact on livestock productivity, environmental health, food safety, market access and sustainable livelihoods across Taraba State.