The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in Taraba State is making significant strides in attracting private sector investment and strengthening livestock value chains. The state's Livestock Service Centre (LSC) is being positioned as a key hub for livestock development, and recent efforts are yielding positive results.
Investment Sensitisation Tour
An L-PRES delegation led by the State Project Coordinator, including the Financial Management Officer, Value Chain and Market Linkage Officer, Animal Health Service Officer, and Animal Husbandry Service Officer, undertook an investment sensitisation tour. They visited major livestock and dairy enterprises across Taraba and Adamawa states, such as Sebore Farms, Admiral A Milk Collection Centre in Mayo-Belwa, Dabareje Farms, Bagobiri Farms, Ardo Yahaya Milk Collection and Processing Centre, and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association Multipurpose Cooperative Society (NVMA MPCS) in Nguroje and Mutum Biu.
The team aimed to showcase investment opportunities at the Taraba State Livestock Service Centre and foster strategic partnerships to enhance livestock production, processing, and marketing in the region.
Engagement with Sebore Farms
At Sebore Farms in Adamawa State, the delegation was received by General Manager Mr. Suleiman Abbas and other senior staff. The Value Chain and Market Linkage Officer outlined the vision for the Livestock Service Centre and highlighted ongoing infrastructure development by L-PRES, including access roads, electricity, water supply, perimeter fencing, and an administrative block.
Mr. Abbas described the engagement as timely and strategic, revealing that Taraba State supplies about 35% of the milk processed by Sebore Farms into products like yoghurt, cheese, butter, and ghee. The company produces approximately 1,500 litres of yoghurt daily, which is only 20% of its installed capacity. Sebore Farms operates milk collection centres in Sunkani, Maisamari, Turakeke, and Gembu, with Sunkani as its major hub—also the location of the Taraba State Livestock Service Centre.
Mr. Abbas announced plans to establish a modern milk collection centre and a one-stop livestock service facility in Sunkani, while exploring opportunities to replicate the company's successful dairy model in Taraba. He appreciated the L-PRES team and pledged readiness to invest in the Livestock Service Centre, adding that a delegation from Sebore Farms would soon visit Taraba to finalise arrangements. The team later toured the facility to observe dairy production units and processes.
Visit to Admiral A Milk Collection Centre
At the Admiral A Milk Collection Centre in Mayo-Belwa, Centre Manager Mr. Abdulrasheed explained the facility's role in milk collection, quality testing, cooling, and transportation to Sebore Farms for processing. Milk is cooled to between four and six degrees Celsius before transport. The centre uses a cooperative-based clustering model, organising pastoralists into groups and supporting them with training, veterinary services, motorcycles, and milking cans to improve milk collection and supply. Milk is purchased at competitive rates, with performance-based incentives for individuals and cooperatives. The delegation inspected the facility, noting interest in locally fabricated motorcycle-mounted milking cans used by pastoralists.
Other Engagements
The sensitisation tour also included engagements with Ardo Yahaya Global Ventures, Bagobiri Private Slaughter Facility, Sardauna Farms, Mutum Biu Farms, and officials of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Taraba State Chapter.
L-PRES officials stated that the outreach is part of broader efforts to deepen private sector participation in the livestock sector, strengthen value chains, and transform the Taraba State Livestock Service Centre into a strategic hub for livestock development, processing, and investment in the North-East region.
