In a groundbreaking move to modernize meat processing and boost livestock value chains, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in partnership with the Gombe State Government has officially commenced construction of the Gombe Ultra-Modern Abattoir, a key project within the state’s 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone.

This major development aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and is backed by a ₦60 billion allocation—part of a larger ₦120 billion commitment by the Federal Government aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s livestock economy.

A Turning Point for Livestock Development

At the foundation-laying ceremony, Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha described the abattoir as a transformative project for the livestock sector in the Northeast, with a daily processing capacity of 500 cattle, 1,000 small ruminants, and 3,000 poultry birds. The project is designed to meet international standards for food safety, hygiene, and export compliance, addressing long-standing challenges in the meat value chain.

To ensure steady animal supply, the Ministry announced plans to establish “Jewel Feedlot Estates” in partnership with the state—focusing on bull fattening, youth and women empowerment, and out-grower schemes. These efforts fall under the broader National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which targets modern, resilient, and globally competitive animal agriculture.

Key Infrastructure and Economic Impact

The Gombe Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone will also feature:

• A world-class livestock market
• A tannery and leather plant
• Feed grain and pasture production systems
• An inland dry port to facilitate regional and global trade

These components are set to attract private sector participation, reduce meat imports, and create thousands of jobs while improving logistics, sanitary standards, and the profitability of livestock businesses across the region.

Strategic Alignment and Government Support

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agriculture and livestock development. His address highlighted achievements such as:

• Collaboration with the World Bank’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES)
• Redemarcation of grazing reserves and stock routes
• Ongoing water infrastructure planning for the Wawa Zange grazing reserve

He urged citizens and investors to support the project and emphasized continued investment in animal health, peacebuilding among farmers and pastoralists, and sustainable pasture management.

Showcasing Progress: Traditional and Private Sector Engagement

During the Minister’s visit, a courtesy call was made to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gombe, where they inspected an equestrian center and local feedlot facilities. The Emir pledged full support from traditional institutions to mobilize grassroots participation in livestock transformation efforts.

Additionally, the delegation visited Greenspa Multy Services Limited, an innovative agribusiness with 25,000 layers producing 135,000 eggs daily and plans to expand into broiler and cattle fattening operations. The Minister applauded the model and promised technical support to help scale it as a benchmark for modern livestock production.

---

Conclusion

The Gombe Ultra-Modern Abattoir marks a new era in meat processing and livestock development in Nigeria. Through strong federal-state collaboration and a focus on modern infrastructure, animal health, and job creation, the project is poised to catalyze economic transformation while advancing food security and export readiness.