The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has said the newly commissioned 40 million-dose veterinary vaccine cold chain facility in Edo State will strengthen disease prevention, improve livestock productivity and support food security efforts across Nigeria.
Maiha stated this on Friday during the commissioning and handover of the newly constructed and equipped veterinary vaccine storage facility at the Edo Agric Hub and Livestock Processing Facility in Benin City.
According to the minister, effective vaccination remains the most reliable and sustainable strategy for controlling transboundary animal diseases that continue to affect livestock production and threaten farmers’ livelihoods.
He listed diseases such as Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Newcastle Disease, African Horse Sickness and African Swine Fever as major threats to the sector.
“Effective vaccination remains the most reliable and sustainable strategy for combating transboundary animal diseases, which continue to threaten livestock production and farmers’ livelihoods,” Maiha said.
He explained that the solar-powered facility, with a storage capacity of approximately 40 million vaccine doses, is designed to preserve vaccine potency, strengthen cold chain logistics and ensure timely distribution of quality vaccines to livestock farmers across the South-South region and other parts of the country.
The minister, who also commissioned the Edo ultra-modern livestock processing facility, noted that the veterinary vaccine cold chain project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader livestock development agenda under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, implemented with support from the World Bank.
Maiha added that the investment aligns with the global One Health agenda through efforts aimed at promoting animal health, public health, food safety and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Edo State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Kponmwosa Omorodion, described the project as a landmark development that would serve the six states of the South-South geopolitical zone and enhance disease prevention initiatives within the livestock industry.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the National Office for locating the facility in Edo State and assured stakeholders of the state government’s commitment to ensuring its protection and optimal utilisation.
Omorodion also noted that agriculture remains a key pillar of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, with livestock development playing a strategic role in boosting food production, creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
