The Taraba State government has commenced the construction of a modern Livestock Service Centre (LSC) in Sunkani, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, in a bid to modernize the state’s livestock sector and strengthen food security.
The flag-off ceremony over the weekend featured a symbolic block-laying exercise led by Governor Agbu Kefas, alongside senior government officials and key livestock industry stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the commissioner for agriculture and food security said the project marks “the beginning of a new chapter” in animal health services and livestock productivity.
He stated that the centre would provide veterinary care, disease control, genetic improvement, agribusiness support, and training for farmers and pastoralists.
“Livestock remains a critical pillar of Taraba’s economy,” the commissioner said.
“This facility will create jobs for youths, enhance value chain development, and position Taraba as a leader in livestock production in Nigeria.”
State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Mr. Hananiah Albert, described the Sunkani centre as a “one-stop platform” to commercialize and modernize livestock production.
The facility will feature animal holding areas, grazing paddocks, veterinary clinics, isolation pens, artificial insemination stalls, vaccine storage, feed processing units, water and electricity systems, waste management facilities, offices, and all-weather access roads.
Albert said the centre would connect farmers to markets, processors, and financial services, supporting the transition from subsistence farming to a commercially viable industry.
He also disclosed that the project will operate under a public-private partnership model, with the framework being finalized by the national coordination office for submission to the World Bank.
Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, called the project a “significant milestone” for livestock development in Taraba.
Read also:
- World Bank initiative to modernize livestock production kicks-off in Taraba
- Akwa Ibom to host International Expo on Poultry, Livestock
- BUA Group partners with Turkish firm to build 40TPH Feed Mill in Kano, boosting Nigeria’s livestock sector
He explained that livestock service centres are strategically located to stimulate commercialization, address low productivity, and improve market efficiency.
Taraba is among five states nationwide selected for the establishment of these centres.
Dr. Abubakar also highlighted the ongoing remodeling of the modern abattoir in Jalingo, describing it as a complementary initiative that will strengthen market linkages and ensure sustainable supply chains at national and international levels.
Stakeholders at the ceremony urged the contractor to ensure timely completion, expressing optimism that the governor would soon commission what they described as a “gigantic facility.”
The Sunkani Livestock Service Centre is expected to boost inclusive growth, improve livelihoods, and strengthen food security across Taraba State and beyond, marking a key milestone in Nigeria’s livestock modernization efforts.
