General News
THE Plateau Government says it has commenced the construction of a modern Abattoir and Veterinary Hospital at Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, accompanied by Mr 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 that the project would also provide 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.
Mutfwang thanked President Bola Tinubu for setting the pace for an improved livestock industry in Nigeria, adding that the modern abattoir would ensure 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 the 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 center and ultimately every community across Barkin Ladi and beyond must feel the impact of this investment,” he said.
The governor, who said that the project would be completed in a year, advised residents of the host community to take ownership of the facility when completed.
On the veterinary hospital, Mutfwang said that the hospital would serve as “checkpoint” for animals that would be slaughtered at the abattoir.
He added that it would also serve as treatment and training ground for future professionals.
Speaking, the minister, Mukhtar commended Plateau Government for keying into the initiative of the Federal Government on livestock development.
He reeled out the huge benefits of the initiative saying that the project would place Plateau and Nigeria on the path of economic prosperity.
The minister added that the modern abattoir would properly position the meat industry for export opportunities.
“This project tells us that livestock can become much more productive, safer and more profitable.
“With a modern abattoir, we break ground for national development instrument. It will support 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,” Mukhtar said.
(NAN)
W.U
June 15, 2026
Tags: GOV. Caleb Mutfwang Mr Idimsu Mukhtar