News in brief:
– Kogi L-PRES initiates the rehabilitation of nine livestock markets to improve facilities for farmers and traders.
– The transparent bidding process ensures competent contractors are selected to boost livestock trade and farmer incomes in Kogi State.
The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES) recently launched an initiative to rehabilitate nine livestock markets across the state. This initiative is part of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s efforts to enhance the livestock sector, aiming to improve market infrastructure and boost farmers’ incomes.
Transparent selection of contractors
During the bid closing and opening exercise, six contractors vied for the opportunity to execute the rehabilitation projects. The Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Abdulsalam Sagir Mohammed, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a robust livestock sector. He encouraged transparency and fair deliberations among the bidders.
Dr Olufemi Bolarin, the State Project Coordinator for Kogi L-PRES, assured all bidders that the selection process would be merit-based to ensure the best contractors are chosen. According to him, the upgraded markets will offer secure and well-structured facilities for farmers, traders, and other stakeholders, improving livestock trade in the state.
Catalyst for economic growth
The rehabilitation of the nine livestock markets is expected to boost productivity in the sector, increase livestock farmers’ incomes, and foster economic development. This aligns with the government’s broader agricultural development agenda, which prioritises infrastructure to support farmers and traders.
The bid exercise was attended by key officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Works, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, the Kogi State Bureau of Public Procurement, and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management. Their presence underscores the commitment to transparency and accountability in the project’s execution.
