World Bank to build US$187,000 national animal feed reference laboratory at MOUAU

NIGERIA – Nigeria’s livestock sector is set for a major research and quality-control upgrade after the World Bank-backed Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) allocated ₦300 million (US$187,000) for the establishment of an Animal Feed Reference Laboratory at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Abia State.

The project, aimed at improving feed quality, livestock productivity and value-chain development, was announced during a visit by the L-PRES delegation to the university on April 30.

L-PRES officials said the university was selected because of its established capacity in agricultural research and innovation.

“MOUAU has demonstrated strong capacity in agricultural development and value-chain research. This informed the decision to site the laboratory here, with ₦300 million already earmarked to kick-start the project,” said Udo Herbert, who led the delegation.

The laboratory is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s feed testing and regulatory capacity at a time when the country’s livestock sector faces growing pressure to improve productivity, feed efficiency and animal nutrition standards.

Feed quality remains one of the biggest constraints in Nigeria’s livestock industry, where inconsistent ingredient quality, adulteration and rising feed costs continue to affect poultry, dairy and aquaculture producers.

The facility is also expected to support research into feed formulation, ingredient analysis and livestock nutrition, while providing technical services to feed manufacturers and farmers.

Chidozie Anyiro said the broader L-PRES initiative aims to improve livestock productivity while addressing structural challenges affecting the sector, including access to pasture and water resources.

According to him, improving livestock systems could also help reduce tensions linked to farmer-herder conflicts by supporting more sustainable resource management and strengthening agricultural resilience.

The six-year L-PRES programme is funded through a US$500 million World Bank facility and is currently being implemented across 20 Nigerian states.

The programme focuses on improving commercialisation, strengthening resilience and modernising livestock value chains across the country.

Responding to the announcement, Ursula Ngozi Akanwa described the project as a major milestone for the university and said the institution had the technical expertise needed to manage the facility effectively.

She added that the laboratory would enhance the university’s livestock research capabilities while supporting agribusiness development and innovation in Nigeria’s animal production sector.

The investment comes as African governments and development institutions increasingly focus on feed systems as a critical factor in improving food security, reducing import dependence and increasing livestock productivity across the continent.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.