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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Plateau State Government has commenced the construction of a modern livestock processing and abattoir facility aimed at boosting industrialization, creating jobs, and transforming the state’s agricultural economy.
The project, located at the Haipang Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Barki Ladi Local Government Area, was officially flagged off by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, with the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, describing it as a landmark investment for the state’s economic future.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Maiha said the facility would strengthen Nigeria’s livestock value chain, attract private investment, and position Plateau as a major hub for livestock processing and agro-industrial development.
Designed to process up to 500 cattle daily, the facility is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, increase internally generated revenue, and promote value addition in the livestock sector.
Governor Mutfwang said the project represents a strategic effort to diversify Plateau’s economy and reduce its reliance on public sector employment.
“This is the breaking forth of a new economic future for Plateau State. We are laying the foundation for an investment that will transform livestock from a traditional activity into a modern engine of wealth, jobs, and prosperity,” he said.
The governor stressed the need to move beyond primary agricultural production to processing and value addition, noting that the livestock industry offers opportunities in dairy production, leather processing, animal feed manufacturing, transportation, and marketing.
He urged farmers and entrepreneurs to take advantage of emerging opportunities in dairy farming and feed production, describing the sectors as key drivers of economic growth and food security.
Mutfwang also disclosed plans to establish Plateau as a leading centre for livestock processing, dairy production, leather manufacturing, and agro-industrial investment, while assuring host communities of their inclusion in the project’s benefits.
He acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and agricultural research institutions in making the initiative possible.
The state government expects the facility to be completed within one year and believes it will play a significant role in economic diversification, food safety, and private sector-led development.