FG opens 40 million-dose vaccine hub to tackle livestock disease in North-East

The Federal Government has unveiled a substantial $40 million animal vaccine storage hub in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, aimed at bolstering animal health services and bolstering livestock development throughout the country. This solar-powered facility, inaugurated by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, is a critical component of Nigeria's livestock transformation agenda, supported by the World Bank.

Maiha highlighted the facility's strategic importance in improving vaccine storage, distribution, and disease control, particularly in the North-East region. The state-of-the-art cold storage facility can safely house approximately 40 million vaccine doses under a reliable cold-chain system, guaranteeing their potency and effectiveness. The minister emphasized that this project is just one of several initiatives under the Livestock Productivity, Resilience and Support Project (L-PRES) being undertaken nationwide.

The facility joins a network of similar centers already established in Abuja, Sokoto, Edo, Lagos, and Anambra states, facilitating efficient vaccine storage and distribution across the nation. Maiha addressed misconceptions about the Federal Government's pilot ranching initiative, clarifying that the program does not involve acquiring land from individuals or communities. Instead, participating state governments will identify suitable land following consultations with stakeholders and community engagements.

Sanusi Abubakar, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, described the project as a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria's livestock vaccine ecosystem. He explained that the solar-powered cold room ensures uninterrupted off-grid storage, eliminating the risk of vaccine spoilage due to power outages. The facility will operate through a public-private partnership arrangement, with the Federal and State Governments each contributing 50% of operations, while private-sector partners manage the remaining share.

Representing Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Usman Lamurde, the Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture Development, praised the Federal Government's investments in Adamawa's livestock sector. He highlighted that livestock production is a vital component of the state's economy, contributing significantly to internally generated revenue. The vaccine storage hub is one of six major livestock development projects being launched during the minister's visit to Adamawa State.

This inauguration coincides with the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to modernize and digitize Nigeria's livestock industry. Recently, the government validated the National Livestock Information Management System, a platform designed to centralize livestock data, enhance sector coordination, and support evidence-based policymaking.

The platform will aggregate data from state governments, livestock associations, field officers, development partners, and relevant ministries to improve planning and increase productivity across the sector. The latest investment aligns with the government's broader strategy to unlock opportunities in Nigeria's livestock value chain, including reforms aimed at expanding livestock exports and enhancing the sector's contribution to economic growth.