FG Trains Livestock Inspectors on Food Safety and Export Standards

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has trained livestock quality assurance assessors in the Northeast to improve food safety standards and support Nigeria’s livestock export drive.

The three-day programme was held in Yola from May 6 to 8 in partnership with Reo-Forte Investment Limited.

Participants from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe were trained on food safety compliance, inspection procedures, traceability systems and livestock quality standards.

Director of Quality Assurance and Certification, Nurallah Abubakar, said quality assurance is important for food safety, public health and livestock development.

He said the training is part of a national plan to expand the number of certified assessors and strengthen quality control systems across the country.

Director of Veterinary Services, Nyalas Bartholomew, said the ministry selected field officers to improve standards enforcement at abattoirs, poultry markets and dairy facilities.

Participants also visited Jimeta Modern Abattoir to assess sanitation, inspection processes and operational standards.

Chief consultant in the Department of Quality Assurance and Certification, Chinwe Ezejiofor, said the programme is aimed at improving Nigeria’s livestock export opportunities and economic contribution.

During the inspection, participants identified poor sanitation, weak record-keeping and unsafe meat handling as major challenges affecting the sector.

Manager of the abattoir, Joshua Mallum Shallangwa, said renovation work and construction of cold rooms and biodigesters are ongoing, although challenges such as poor drainage and irregular water supply remain.