Chidimma Uchegbu -Abuja
As part of efforts to actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, have laid the foundation for the Gombe Ultra-Modern Abattoir.
The facility is a key component of the Gombe Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone and is designed to enhance livestock value chains, boost food security, and create employment. The abattoir will process 500 cows, 1,000 sheep/goats, and 3,000 poultry daily.
The Minister described the abattoir as a “game changer” for livestock development in the Northeast, adding that the Federal Government will collaborate with the state to establish Jewel Feedlot Estates to support consistent animal supply.
He noted that Nigeria consumes only 360,000 tons of beef annually—far below demand—and emphasized that the government will drive the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) to boost production and modernize the sector.
Maiha stressed the need for world-class facilities and skilled personnel at abattoirs to meet international standards, highlighting improvements in animal health services, indigenous breed development, and control of zoonotic diseases.
Feedstock supply to the new abattoir will be sustained through commercial ranches, out-grower schemes, pasture production, and revitalized grazing reserves, with the ministry committed to supporting Gombe in transforming the livestock economy.
The Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, reaffirmed the state’s focus on transforming agriculture and livestock through strategic policies, investments, and inclusive programs.
He explained that millions of animals have been vaccinated, and intercommunity peace initiatives have improved relations between herders and farmers. He also revealed that the state has partnered with the World Bank’s L-PRES project for grazing reserve demarcation and improving water access in Wawa-Zange.
