The Gombe State government, under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has unveiled a site plan for an ultra-modern abattoir and an international livestock market, a project designed to revolutionize the state’s livestock value chain.
The government, through the Gombe State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, has engaged key stakeholders in the livestock-related businesses in perfecting the site plans for the ambitious project.
Presenting the comprehensive site plan at the L-PRES Office in Gombe, the State Coordinator of the Project, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, said that the stakeholder engagement aligns perfectly with Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s philosophy of inclusive governance, which prioritizes the active participation of all citizens.
“His Excellency, as a leader who believes in inclusive governance, instructed us to engage all stakeholders to ensure that their needs and valuable input are incorporated into the site plan,” Professor Abubakar stated.
The coordinator observed that the livestock sector has been significantly neglected for a very long time, with a disproportionate focus on crop production at the expense of animal husbandry. However, with a renewed commitment and strong political will from both the Gombe State government and the Federal Government, this narrative is poised to change.
“The world has evolved, and modern approaches to livestock production are now essential. We must modernize our practices and embrace innovative techniques to optimize this vital sector,” he noted, expressing dismay over the significant losses incurred by Northern states, despite their status as major producers of livestock.
“To address these challenges and maximize the economic benefits for our people, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, as Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, is spearheading efforts to harness the immense potential of the livestock sector,” he explained.
“By establishing modern abattoirs within our region, we can slaughter animals locally, process the meat and other products, and efficiently package and transport them to both domestic and international markets,” he added.
The State Coordinator explained that the proposed site plan for the international livestock market and the ultramodern abattoir incorporates all the necessary facilities and infrastructure characteristic of modern facilities in developed countries.
The site encompasses a total area of 39 hectares and will feature dedicated market spaces for various livestock species: a 5-hectare cattle market, a 3-hectare market for sheep and goats, a 2-hectare poultry market and a dedicated beef, ram, and goat fattening hubs.
The ultramodern abattoir, occupying 4 hectares of land, will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including proper water supply, cooling systems and storage facilities, a dedicated hide and skin/tannery unit, and a leather industry.
Furthermore, the site will incorporate essential support facilities such as a loading and offloading bay, a veterinary clinic and quarantine area, a stock feed market, and a comprehensive waste treatment and management unit, among others.
To ensure a conducive and secure environment, the site will also include a motel, a fire station, a police station, a bank branch, an administrative complex with ample parking lot , and all necessary utilities.
To enhance market access and facilitate trade, the International Livestock Market will be digitized, enabling online access and facilitating digital marketing initiatives.
Furthermore, a dedicated radio station will be established to effectively promote livestock marketing opportunities both within Nigeria and internationally.
Professor Abubakar explained that the L-PRES with the support of Gombe State Government conducted a study tour of tanneries in Kano, recognizing the potential for replicating successful models in Gombe.
He emphasized that with the establishment of this ultra-modern abattoir and livestock market, coupled with the state’s available resources, the leather industry in Gombe is poised for significant growth.
“We envision a future where Gombe not online meets its domestic leather product needs but also becomes a major exporter of high-quality leather goods, including bags, shoes, belts, and other products,” he stated.
The project will create employment opportunities for the state indigenes as the employment of local residents will be prioritized within the livestock market and the abattoir.
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