Rivers Commissions Modern Private Abattoir to Improve Meat Safety

Rivers State has recorded a major investment in its livestock sector with the inauguration of a privately owned modern abattoir aimed at improving meat safety, promoting hygienic processing and supporting livestock development.

The facility, established by livestock investor Bassey Duke under the National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NACDPAMN), is expected to create jobs and strengthen private investment in the state's meat value chain. Speaking at the inauguration, Rivers State Chairman of NACDPAMN, Godspower Amadi, said the abattoir supports the Federal Government's livestock development agenda and will replace outdated slaughter practices with modern meat processing.

Amadi said expanding similar facilities across the state's 23 local government areas would improve access to quality meat, raise hygiene standards and help address security concerns linked to the transportation and handling of livestock. He added that the operators plan to introduce hygienic delivery vehicles to transport processed meat directly to customers.

Founder of the facility, Bassey Duke, said the project was established to modernise the livestock business and improve its profitability. He called on the government to support operators with grants for modern processing equipment, cold storage and mobile freezers. Livestock supplier Ibrahim Mustapha also welcomed the initiative and urged stronger cooperation among stakeholders and security agencies to improve the safe movement of cattle across the country.