MINISTER OF LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT LAYS FOUNDATION FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF SERVICE CENTRE IN SOKOTO STATE

Sokoto, January 8, 2026

The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has laid the foundation stone for the establishment of a Livestock Service Centre in Sokoto State, marking a significant milestone in efforts to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The new Livestock Service Centre is a key intervention under the World Bank–assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, which is designed to enhance livestock productivity, promote resilience, and foster sustainable livelihoods across participating states.
Performing the foundation stone laying ceremony, Dr. Maiha reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s vast livestock potential as a pathway to sustainable peace, inclusive economic growth, and national development. He emphasized that modernizing livestock production and service delivery would reduce conflicts, improve animal health, and strengthen food security nationwide.
In his remarks, Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, stated that the Centre is strategically designed to address livestock losses, rural poverty, and insecurity often associated with unregulated livestock practices. According to him, the facility will play a critical role in modernizing the livestock value chain in the state.

Governor Aliyu further noted that the Centre will introduce modern feedlots, support pasture development, and ease the pressures of open grazing on farmlands, thereby promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

Also speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, assured stakeholders of the full support of the National Coordination Office to ensure the successful and timely implementation of the project in Sokoto State. He described the Centre as a model that would deliver measurable impacts in productivity, resilience, and livelihoods.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development in Sokoto State, Bello Muhammad Wamakko, highlighted the state government’s ongoing investments in routine vaccination programmes and other proactive measures aimed at reducing farmer–herder conflicts and improving animal health outcomes.

He noted that the Livestock Service Centre would complement these efforts by providing critical infrastructure, technical services, and support to livestock producers across the state.

Similar livestock service centres and interventions are currently being executed in 20 participating states across the country under the L-PRES Project. These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance food security, improve animal health, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy through a more productive and resilient livestock sector.