A New Era for Meat Hygiene: Niger State Hands Over Rehabilitated Minna Abattoir to Butchers’ Association

Minna’s skyline witnessed more than just the hum of everyday life on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 — it echoed with renewed hope for public health and livestock transformation as the Niger State Government officially handed over the newly rehabilitated Minna Modern Abattoir to the Butchers' Association.

Source: Tribune online

The occasion, powered by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, wasn't just a symbolic gesture — it marked a tangible leap toward safer meat processing, enhanced animal welfare, and a cleaner, more sustainable food system in the heart of the state.

At the center of the handover was a message of partnership, progress, and shared responsibility. State Project Coordinator Mal. Jiya Danladi Muhammed underscored the significance of the moment, noting that the upgraded abattoir isn’t just infrastructure—it’s a cornerstone for a healthier, more resilient meat industry. He praised the cooperation of all stakeholders, recognizing that the road to transformation is best traveled together.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Jonathan Wasa formally transferred the facility to the Butchers’ Association, challenging them to uphold the facility’s new standards and act as custodians of both hygiene and heritage. His words echoed a broader state vision—modernize the meat industry while safeguarding the health of the people it feeds.

From across the sector, voices of support resonated. Traditional leader Alh. Sani Adamu, Sarki Pawan Borgu, lauded the L-PRES initiative, urging butchers to manage the facility responsibly and embrace best practices. Dr. Muhammad Baba, Director of Animal Production, reinforced the importance of humane, efficient animal processing, while Dr. Ibrahim Kato of the Public Health Department spoke passionately about the critical role the new abattoir will play in reducing health risks linked to meat consumption.

A moment of celebration came with the presentation of awards, sponsored by the Sarkin Pawa Foundation, recognizing individuals whose leadership and dedication brought the vision to life. Among the honorees were State Project Coordinator Mal. Jiya Danladi Muhammed, Deputy Chief of Staff Sadiq Yusuf, Permanent Secretary Dr. Jonathan Wasa, and the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government, represented by Mrs. Hanna Iliya Kuta, who also delivered the event’s closing remarks.

As the ceremony drew to a close, guests toured the modernized facility—gleaming tiles, stainless-steel workspaces, and efficient waste systems speaking volumes about the future the state envisions. Butchers, visibly moved, pledged to maintain the facility and uphold its standards, recognizing the trust and investment placed in their hands.

The handover of the Minna Modern Abattoir isn’t just about meat—it’s about progress, public health, and pride. And for Niger State, it signals a future where tradition meets innovation, and communities thrive on the foundation of safe, sustainable food systems.