The Plateau government says it has commenced construction of a modern abattoir and veterinary hospital in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, accompanied by Idimsu Mukhtar, the Minister of Livestock Development, laid the foundation for the two projects on Monday in Barkin Ladi.

The governor said that the abattoir, when completed, would process 500 cattle and 200 tonnes of poultry birds per day.

He said the project would also create between 7,000 and 10,000 job opportunities for residents of the state.

“We have gathered here to lay the foundation for an investment that will transform livestock from a traditional activity to a modern origin of wealth, industrial growth and shared prosperity.

“We are replacing food on hygienic slaughter with a world-class abattoir that will slaughter 500 cattle per day, the largest in this region.

“We are laying the foundation for a plateau economy where we will be able to generate revenue beyond federal allocation in the years to come. Like I often say, we cannot tax poverty; we can only tax prosperity,” he said.

Mr Mutfwang thanked President Bola Tinubu for setting the pace for an improved livestock industry in Nigeria, adding that the modern abattoir would ensure a proper meat value chain.

“Our vision is simple: that every segment of the value chain must create income for the public. The farmer who grows maize and soybeans for feed, the youth who transport livestock to market, the entrepreneur who operates a cold-room chain, and the processor who packages meat products must benefit.

“Also, the family that supplies forage and animal feed, the woman who operates a dairy collection centre and ultimately every community across Barkin Ladi and beyond must feel the impact of this investment,” he said.

The governor, who said the project would be completed in a year, advised residents of the host community to take ownership of the facility upon completion.

At the veterinary hospital, Mr Mutfwang said the hospital would serve as a “checkpoint” for animals to be slaughtered at the abattoir.

He added that it would also serve as a treatment and training ground for future professionals.

Speaking, the minister, Mr Mukhtar, commended the Plateau government for keying into the federal government’s initiative on livestock development.

He outlined the significant benefits of the initiative, saying the project would place Plateau and Nigeria on the path to economic prosperity.

The minister added that the modern abattoir would properly position the meat industry for export opportunities.

He said, “This project tells us that livestock can become much more productive, safer and more profitable. With a modern abattoir, we break ground for a national development instrument. It will support the broken meat supply for Plateau and neighbouring markets.

“This will place Nigeria’s capacity to meet domestic demand with the right standards, certification, traceability and cold chain. It will position our red meat industry for export opportunities.

“This project is laying the foundation for the new livestock economy, an economy that protects public health, rewards producers, creates decent jobs, expands industrial value, supports export, and restores dignity to every link of the red meat value chain.”

(NAN)