The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector with the groundbreaking ceremony of a modern abattoir with a processing capacity of 500 bulls per day in Jos, Plateau State.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development described the project as a landmark investment that will modernize Nigeria’s red meat value chain, strengthen food safety standards, create thousands of jobs, and position the country for greater participation in regional and international meat markets.
The Minister noted that, the project represents more than the construction of a slaughter facility. It is designed to serve as a catalyst for a new livestock economy that promotes public health, enhances productivity, encourages value addition, and supports sustainable economic growth.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Nigeria’s livestock industry. This facility will provide a modern, hygienic, and efficient meat processing environment that meets global standards while creating opportunities across the entire livestock value chain,” the Minister stated..
Plateau State was identified as a strategic location for the investment due to its favorable climate, strong agricultural base, established livestock activities, and the presence of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom.
The state’s connectivity through road, rail, and air transportation further strengthens its position as a livestock and agribusiness hub.
The abattoir is expected to significantly improve food safety through modern veterinary inspection systems, hygienic slaughter processes, quality assurance measures, and effective waste management.
It will also support disease surveillance and contribute to improved public health outcomes.
According to the Ministry, the facility will operate as an integrated livestock processing center where meat, hides, skins, bones, blood, fats, and other by-products can be transformed into valuable industrial inputs, including leather products, fertilizers, animal feed ingredients, biogas, pharmaceuticals, and other commercial products.
The project is also expected to generate substantial employment opportunities. At full operational capacity, it is projected to support between 7,000 and 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across livestock production, feed and fodder development, veterinary services, transportation, cold-chain logistics, meat processing, leather production, waste management, and marketing.
The Minister emphasized that the success of the project will depend on strong partnerships among government, investors, livestock producers, processors, financial institutions, and host communities.
He called on stakeholders to support the development of structured livestock supply systems, including ranches, feedlots, grazing reserves, fodder estates, veterinary networks, and livestock aggregation centers.
The Ministry also highlighted the project’s role in promoting peace and security by encouraging more productive livestock systems, reducing pressure on land resources, and fostering cooperation among communities involved in agricultural and livestock activities.
Furthermore, the Minister encouraged youth and women to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the livestock industry, noting that the sector offers promising careers in animal nutrition, veterinary medicine, meat science, cold-chain management, leather technology, quality assurance, agribusiness, and value-added processing.
The Jos Modern Abattoir project aligns with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development’s mandate to build a productive, safe, peaceful, and globally competitive livestock industry. It also forms part of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) 2025–2035 and supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Plateau State, investors, development partners, livestock producers, veterinarians, processors, traditional institutions, and host communities for their support and collaboration.
Upon completion, the facility is expected to become a national model for modern meat processing, food safety, environmental sustainability, job creation, and export readiness.
Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director Press and Public Relations
15/6/26
