Plateau breaks ground for mega livestock processing hub

…Project to drive jobs, investment, economic transformation

Caleb Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State, on Monday, flagged off the construction of a world-class livestock processing and abattoir facility at the Haipang Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Barki Ladi Local Government Area, describing the project as the beginning of a new economic future for Plateau State.

In his speech, the governor said the ultra-modern facility, designed to process up to 500 cattle daily, would serve as a catalyst for industrial growth, value addition, job creation and increased internally generated revenue, reducing the state’s dependence on federal allocations.

“This is more than the groundbreaking of an abattoir. Today is the breaking forth of a new economic future for Plateau State. We have gathered here to lay the foundation for an investment that will transform livestock from a traditional activity into a modern engine of wealth, jobs and prosperity,” Mutfwang said.

He stressed that economic prosperity comes not merely from agricultural production but from processing and adding value to products, noting that agro-processing remains central to his administration’s economic development agenda.

“Plateau State can no longer remain only a civil service state. We are laying the foundation for a commercial, industrial and business-driven economy that will create opportunities for our people and attract investors from across the world,” the governor added.

The governor explained that the investment would benefit stakeholders across the livestock value chain, including farmers, transporters, feed producers, dairy operators, processors, entrepreneurs and host communities.

He emphasided that livestock development extends beyond cattle ownership to dairy production, forage cultivation, leather manufacturing, processing, transportation and marketing.

Governor Mutfwang encouraged households and small-scale farmers to embrace dairy farming and feed production, describing both sectors as viable sources of income and improved nutrition. He noted that many countries generate substantial revenue from animal feed resources and expressed confidence that Plateau could tap into the same opportunities.

According to him, the Haipang Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is strategically positioned to attract private investment, improve food safety standards, expand market access and stimulate industrial development.

He also revealed plans to make Plateau a leading hub for livestock processing, dairy development, animal feed production, leather manufacturing and agro-industrial investment.

The governor acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and research institutions in Vom for contributing to the realisation of the project.

He assured residents of Haipang and Pomol communities that they would benefit from the investment and pledged support for modern agricultural practices to offset land acquired for industrial development.

The governor expressed optimism that the project would be completed within one year and eventually managed by the private sector to ensure sustainability.

Earlier Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, described the project as a historic milestone that would usher in a new era of economic prosperity for Plateau State.

He commended the state government for laying what he called an enduring economic foundation and expressed confidence that the initiative would attract investors and position Plateau as a major player in Nigeria’s livestock industry.