The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commissioned a Model Veterinary Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The facility, located at Kasuwan Shanu, was constructed and equipped by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development through the World Bank-assisted L-PRES project.
The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, commissioned the hospital.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the facility marked a new phase in veterinary service delivery in the state.
Maiha said the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to bringing modern veterinary care closer to livestock farmers, particularly those in hard-to-reach communities.
He disclosed that L-PRES had so far completed and equipped seven Model Veterinary Hospitals across Adamawa, Sokoto, Enugu, Niger, Ondo, Edo and Borno states.
According to him, 14 additional hospitals are currently at various stages of completion, bringing the total number of Model Veterinary Hospitals under the project to 21.
The minister said the Borno facility is equipped with modern veterinary infrastructure, including a surgical theatre, diagnostic laboratory, radiology and X-ray unit, as well as ambulatory services designed to support farmers in remote areas.
He urged the Borno State Government to prioritise the recruitment, training and continuous professional development of veterinary personnel and para-professionals to ensure the hospital operates efficiently and provides quality services.
The National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Sanusi Abubakar, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s livestock development agenda.
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Abubakar said improved animal health was essential to protecting farmers’ livelihoods, reducing livestock losses, strengthening food security and building a more resilient livestock sector.
He called on livestock farmers, veterinary professionals, associations, pastoral communities, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to take ownership of the facility, utilise it effectively and support its maintenance to ensure its long-term sustainability.
The project is being implemented through collaboration between the Federal and Borno State governments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Food Security.
The facility is expected to improve animal health services, strengthen food security, create jobs and contribute to economic growth in Borno State and Nigeria.
