From Jafar Omoniyi
Abuja, Jan. 15, ’25 (TNZ) The Federal Government says it is ready to collaborate with Livestock and Butchers Cooperative Society Ltd (LIBUCOL) to establish standard abattoirs for proper meat processing.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, announced the plan during a meeting with LIBUCOL’s delegation in Abuja.
Maiha said establishing standard abattoirs with cool chains and meat packaging would enable the nations’ animal products to compete favourably in the international market.
According to him, through the gesture, people can buy their meat without fear of buying substandard or unhygienically handled meat packs.
He further said that collaboration with the cooperative society in abattoir operations would assist in combating zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are prevalent in the livestock sector.
“Under our common purview, we want to manage the issue of zoonotic diseases in the bud.
“If action is not taken, our meat products cannot compete favourably in the international market.
“We are getting a lot of commitment and orders from some Middle Eastern countries to import meat from Nigeria.
“Therefore, if we don’t upgrade and ensure an enabling environment for healthy meat and healthy livestock products, we may not be able to get those markets,” the minister said.
He identified other areas of collaboration with the cooperative society as capacity building.
Read Related News:
- AgricCoop plans cattle ranches in LGAs
- Group hails security operatives as terrorists surrender
- Fulani community in Badagry gets new Seriki
- ABU students win N2m prize for Agrictech Hackathon competition
- Poultry farmers appeal for govt. support
Other areas of collaboration are attracting investors to establish abattoirs for milk processing and transportation of live animals.
Maiha noted that such collaboration would turn the country’s livestock sector around.
“The ministry has the mandate to improve the nation’s animals and control endemic diseases. It is also to ensure the availability of more pasture cultivation.
Earlier, the President of the society, Mr Ishak Yahaya, identified strategies crucial for thriving livestock development in the country.
According to Yahaya, these are communication and transparency, collaboration, joint advocacy, standardisation and grading, technology and efficiency among others.
He assured the minister of the cooperative society’s readiness to work closely with the ministry towards the development of the industry across its entire value chain.
LIBUCOL President said the ministry and the society could collaborate to advocate for policies that enhance the sector.
This could be through lobbying for improved infrastructure and streamlined regulations.
“Such partnership will ultimately lead to a more efficient, transparent and prosperous development,” TheNewsZenith quotes Yahaya as saying. (TNZ)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share stories of happenings in your area with TheNewsZenith on WhatsApp: +2348033668669. For more scintillating news, visit our website: www.thenewszenith.com or follow us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thenewszenithOnline, Facebook: www.facebook.com/@thenewszenithonline & Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@thenewszenithonline
