In a significant move to enhance Nigeria’s livestock sector, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PReS) project is set to bridge critical gaps in vaccine production and livestock management. The project aims to increase Nigeria’s annual vaccine production from 120 million to 850 million doses, reducing reliance on costly imports and positioning the country as a potential vaccine exporter.

Expanding Vaccine Manufacturing Capacity

According to Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator (NPC) of L-PReS, the current vaccine production infrastructure at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) is inadequate. As part of the initiative, NVRI’s facilities will be upgraded to meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, a key requirement for vaccine exportation and global distribution.

“We are working towards making Nigeria self-sufficient in livestock vaccines,” Abubakar stated. “By increasing production to 850 million doses annually, we will reduce capital flight and strengthen foreign exchange reserves.”

Enhancing Vaccine Storage and Distribution

To support efficient vaccine distribution, L-PReS has completed a modern storage facility in Sheda, FCT, with a capacity of 40 million doses. Additionally, six regional vaccine storage centers will be established across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to ensure easy access for livestock farmers.

“These hubs will act as central storage points, allowing for seamless vaccine distribution across the country,” Abubakar explained.

Investing in Livestock Productivity

Beyond vaccine production, L-PReS is making strategic investments in livestock market modernization, breeding advancements, and pasture development. Key initiatives include:
✅ Upgrading livestock markets to improve trading conditions.
✅ Introducing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) such as Artificial Insemination (AI) to enhance animal breeding and productivity.
✅ Establishing a pasture seed multiplication center at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in Zaria to support sustainable livestock feeding systems.

A Step Towards a More Resilient Livestock Sector

The L-PReS project is a six-year initiative designed to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock industry, improve resilience against disease outbreaks, and enhance commercialization within key value chains. Livestock farming plays a vital role in economic growth, food security, and poverty alleviation, employing over 30% of Nigeria’s rural population.

By enhancing local vaccine production, modernizing breeding techniques, and improving distribution infrastructure, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in livestock health management across Africa.