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The Plateau State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen its livestock value chain with the distribution of motorcycles and shared production assets to farmers and extension agents, in a move aimed at improving productivity across the sector.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development was designed to unlock the economic potential of Plateau’s livestock industry and create more value for farmers operating in the sector.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Livestock Development, Dr Markus Avong, at the official flag-off ceremony in Anguldi, Jos South Local Government Area, the governor said the intervention reflects the administration’s broader strategy to modernise livestock production and reduce long-standing operational constraints faced by farmers.
The distribution exercise, carried out under the Plateau State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), included 20 motorcycles for livestock extension agents, 100 forage crushers, and 300 milking cans for livestock farmers across the state.
Feed shortage remains key challenge
Mutfwang identified feed availability as one of the biggest obstacles confronting livestock production in Plateau State, noting that the government’s intervention is targeted at easing that burden.
According to him, the provision of forage crushers is expected to help farmers process feed more efficiently, lower production costs, and improve livestock nutrition outcomes.
He urged beneficiaries to ensure the assets are used strictly for the purposes intended, warning that monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to guarantee accountability and proper utilisation.
Livestock sector seen as revenue driver
In his remarks, Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Sunday Akpa, said Plateau’s livestock economy holds significant untapped revenue potential and can become a major contributor to internally generated revenue if properly developed.
Akpa said the asset distribution forms part of the Mutfwang administration’s wider commitment to supporting livestock farmers with practical inputs that can directly improve output and profitability.
He added that while the current intervention is substantial, more support will be required to fully reposition the sector, urging farmers to embrace modern livestock production methods to maximise government assistance.
World Bank-backed intervention
Akpa explained that the L-PRES initiative is a collaborative intervention involving the World Bank, the Federal Government, and participating state governments, designed to address structural challenges affecting livestock farmers nationwide.
He noted that Plateau’s participation in the programme is already yielding measurable benefits, particularly in infrastructure and farmer capacity development.
More infrastructure projects underway
State L-PRES Coordinator, Paul Weka, disclosed that several additional projects are underway to strengthen livestock infrastructure in Plateau.
These include the remodelling of the Jos main abattoir, construction of modern slaughter slabs in selected local government areas, and development of a modern veterinary hospital.
According to Weka, some of the projects have already commenced, alongside ongoing training programmes aimed at equipping farmers with improved livestock management and production techniques.
Beneficiaries commend government intervention
Representatives of beneficiaries, Mohammed Tyem and Kangyang Pam, commended the Plateau State Government and L-PRES for the support, describing the intervention as timely and critical for the growth of livestock farming in the state.
Also speaking at the event, Provost of the College of Agriculture, Garkawa, Rev. Nathan Akila, and PADP Deputy Programme Manager, Makvreng Satdom, said the initiative would have lasting positive impact on the livestock industry if sustained.
