As part of the drive to actualise the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, alongside the governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya, has laid the foundation for the construction of the Gombe Ultra-Modern Abattoir.
The landmark event took place over the weekend in Gombe State and marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector.
According to the minister, the abattoir is an integral component of the Gombe Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone established by the Gombe State government to strengthen agricultural and livestock value chains, create jobs, drive economic prosperity and contribute meaningfully to national food security. Describing the project as “a game changer for livestock development in the Northeast zone of Nigeria,” Maiha explained that the facility would have the daily capacity to slaughter and process up to 500 cattle, 1,000 sheep and goats and 3,000 poultry birds.
To ensure a consistent supply of quality livestock, the ministry will collaborate with the Gombe State government to establish “Jewel Feedlot Estates” for bull fattening. This initiative aligns with the ministry’s youth and women empowerment schemes, which aim to create sustainable livelihoods within the livestock sub-sector.
Maiha noted that Nigeria currently consumes an estimated 360,000 tonnes of beef annually – a figure that remains below optimal levels given the country’s growing population and nutritional needs. To address this gap, the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is intensifying the implementation of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS). According to the minister, this strategy seeks to modernise the livestock sector, make it resilient and globally competitive, and transform the red meat industry by promoting modern abattoirs, improving indigenous livestock breeds, enhancing animal health services and controlling zoonotic diseases.
He directed relevant government departments and agencies to expedite mandatory certifications for feedlots and ranches and emphasised that abattoirs must be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and managed by qualified professionals. This, he said, will guarantee that meat products meet international quality standards for both domestic consumption and export markets. To sustain a steady supply of livestock, commercial ranches and out-grower schemes for bull fattening, pasture production, and revitalisation of grazing reserves will be prioritised.
Commending the Gombe State government for its remarkable strides in social and economic development, especially in the livestock sector, Maiha pledged the ministry’s full support and cooperation to transform Gombe into a model hub for livestock production.
In his address, Yahaya reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming the agriculture and livestock sectors through clear policies, strategic investments, and inclusive programmes that enhance productivity, build resilience and foster commercialisation throughout the value chain.
“Over the years, millions of animals have been vaccinated to reduce mortality and safeguard public health,” the governor said. He added that proactive measures have strengthened peaceful coexistence and harmonious relations between farming and pastoralist communities, minimising conflicts and enhancing community trust.
Yahaya also highlighted the partnership with the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES), which has enabled investments in the livestock sector, including the re-demarcation of grazing reserves, stock routes, and feasibility studies to address water scarcity within the expansive 144,000-hectare Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve.
He expressed appreciation for the support of the Federal Government and President Tinubu for backing the state’s development goals. The governor called on Gombe citizens to support ongoing interventions and pledged his administration’s unwavering commitment to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to ensure the timely construction and operationalisation of the Gombe Ultra-Modern Abattoir. He emphasised that the State Government would continue to invest in grazing reserves, promote peace and security and improve the quality of life for all residents. Yahaya also invited private sector players to take advantage of emerging investment opportunities.
During the event, goodwill messages were delivered by dignitaries, including His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar and the national president of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Othman Ngelzarma. The chairman and Founder of ABIS Group, Ambassador Emmanuel Usman urged local butchers to embrace modern abattoir standards for meat processing, handling, and packaging, emphasising that this would raise product quality and open doors to new markets.
As part of his two-day working visit to Gombe State, Maiha paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Gombe at his palace. There, he inspected an equestrian centre housing diverse horse breeds that showcase the cultural heritage of the people. The palace also hosts a feedlot for sheep and bull fattening. The minister praised the Emir for this initiative and encouraged the Gombe State Ministry of Agriculture to provide technical support to the Emirate Council’s livestock production efforts. In response, the Emir assured the minister of traditional institutions’ dedication to mobilising communities to participate fully in government-led livestock development programmes.
Additionally, the minister, accompanied by the Gombe State Commissioner for Agriculture, visited the Greenspa Multy Services Limited Farm in Yamaltu-Deba local government area. A statement by the ministry’s Director of Information and public relations, Ben Bem Goong noted that the farm boasts 25,000 layers producing an average of 135,000 eggs daily, creating direct employment for about 50 youths. Plans are underway to scale up operations to include broiler production, leveraging the opportunities presented by the new abattoir in Gombe city. The farm also intends to expand cattle production through artificial insemination and advanced feedlot systems. Maiha offered technical advice to help the farm maximise productivity and profitability and pledged to showcase it as a model for modern livestock production in the state.
With projects like the Gombe Ultra-Modern Abattoir and complementary private sector partnerships, the Federal Government is taking bold steps to reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector as a key driver of economic growth, food security, and export competitiveness.
