FG Plans 10,000 Jobs From Each Modern Abattoir

The Federal Government says each modern abattoir with a capacity to process 500 cattle daily could generate about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across the livestock value chain.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, disclosed this during a visit to Niger State to assess L-PRES projects. He urged state governments to work with private investors to establish and operate modern abattoirs in their capitals.

Maiha said the initiative is aimed at reducing the transportation of live animals from the North to the South and increasing local meat processing. He noted that transporting live cattle often leads to weight loss, accidents, waste and limited value addition.

The minister said modern abattoirs could create opportunities in cattle fattening, pasture and feed production, animal health services, transportation and meat processing.

He also identified feed and fodder, breed improvement and animal health management as key priorities for the ministry. Maiha said improving these areas would help increase livestock productivity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products.