Plateau State Breaks Ground on Mega Livestock Hub, Paving Way for Economic Transformation

Timescope News 

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has hailed Plateau State's new livestock processing and abattoir project as a historic milestone that will usher in an era of economic prosperity.

Speaking at Monday's groundbreaking ceremony for the world-class facility at the Haipang Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Barki Ladi Local Government Area, Maiha commended the state government for laying what he called an enduring foundation for economic growth. He expressed confidence that the initiative would attract investors and position Plateau as a major player in Nigeria's livestock industry.

The ceremony also saw Governor Caleb Mutfwang officially flag off construction of the ultra-modern facility, designed to process up to 500 cattle daily.

Governor Mutfwang described the project as the dawn of a new economic era, noting it would stimulate industrial growth, promote value addition, create jobs, and increase internally generated revenue reducing the state's dependence on federal allocations.

"This is more than the groundbreaking of an abattoir," the governor said. "Today 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 stressed that sustainable economic prosperity lies not only in agricultural production but also in processing and adding value to agricultural products. Agro-processing remains a key component of his administration's economic development agenda.

"Plateau State can no longer remain only a civil service state," Mutfwang added. "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 explained that the investment would positively impact stakeholders across the livestock value chain, including farmers, transporters, feed producers, dairy operators, processors, entrepreneurs, and host communities. He noted that livestock development extends beyond cattle rearing to include dairy production, forage cultivation, leather manufacturing, processing, transportation, and marketing.

Mutfwang encouraged households and small-scale farmers to explore opportunities in dairy farming and feed production, describing both as viable sources of income and improved nutrition. He noted that several countries generate significant revenue from animal feed resources and expressed confidence that Plateau could harness similar opportunities.

He said the Haipang Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is strategically positioned to attract private sector investment, improve food safety standards, expand market access, and stimulate industrial development. The governor also unveiled plans to position Plateau as a leading hub for livestock processing, dairy development, animal feed production, leather manufacturing, and agro-industrial investment in Nigeria.

Mutfwang 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 their contributions to the project. He assured residents of the Haipang and Pomol communities that they would benefit from the investment and pledged support for modern agricultural practices to mitigate the impact of land acquired for industrial development.

Expressing optimism about the project's completion, the governor said the facility is expected to be finished within one year and will eventually be managed by the private sector to ensure sustainability and efficiency.