Taraba State has been named as one of five Nigerian states selected to benefit from the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), which aims to boost livestock production and enhance resilience in the sector.

The National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, made the announcement in Jalingo on Tuesday during the World Bank’s implementation support mission to the state.

According to Abubakar, the project will grant Taraba access to at least $20 million to support livestock services. He praised the state government for the timely payment of its counterpart funding, emphasising the World Bank’s commitment to partnering with the state to improve livestock production and agricultural output.

Also speaking at the event, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, commended Taraba for its proactive role in the implementation of World Bank projects, noting the state’s leadership in agricultural reform efforts.

Representing Governor Agbu Kefas, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Gebon T. Kataps, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the full and efficient implementation of the L-PRES initiative.

“We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring this project succeeds,” Kataps said. “L-PRES has already led to improvements in cattle productivity.”

“With the governor’s approval, we are taking further steps by initiating a bill for the establishment of a University of Agriculture and Climate Change on the Mambilla Plateau, as well as plans to create a Livestock Commission.”

The L-PRES project, as noticed by The Guardian, is designed to address key challenges in Nigeria’s livestock sector by increasing productivity, supporting climate-smart agriculture, and strengthening institutional capacity at the state and federal levels.