In a significant stride toward safer meat production and international export readiness, the Ekiti State Government has trained butchers and meat processors across its three senatorial zones on modern slaughtering techniques, hygiene, and meat handling procedures.

The capacity-building initiative, implemented under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), is part of a broader effort to upgrade the state’s livestock value chain, enhance food safety, and align with global sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

Held in Ado-Ekiti, the capital city, the two-week hands-on training introduced participants to humane animal slaughtering practices, modern preservation methods, and hygienic meat processing—all aimed at reducing contamination risks and improving product shelf life.

“This training doesn’t replace jobs—it adds value,” said Mr. Olayinka Adedipe, L-PRES State Coordinator. “Participants are learning how to process more meat with less energy and under safer conditions. It’s a leap forward in terms of efficiency and international standards compliance.”

Participants underwent practical sessions in a structured slaughter facility, gaining direct exposure to equipment and techniques that are compliant with food safety protocols.

Building Toward Export-Quality Meat Processing

Speaking during the event, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the government’s vision to position Ekiti as a hub for high-quality meat processing in Nigeria.

“We are investing in the construction of a new abattoir and an ultra-modern poultry processing facility,” he announced. “With the Agro-Cargo Airport now operational, the potential to export hygienically processed meat is closer than ever.”

He noted that to ensure sustainable meat safety, all meat handlers in the state will be subject to mandatory sanitary certifications, with procedures tracked from slaughter to packaging. This will reduce the risk of contamination and elevate trust in locally produced meat.

A State on the Rise in Livestock Modernization

Ekiti’s proactive stance signals a strong commitment to improving public health, enhancing livestock productivity, and unlocking global market opportunities. As demand for clean, traceable animal protein rises globally, the state is laying the groundwork for its farmers, butchers, and processors to compete beyond national borders.

This training initiative supports Nigeria’s broader vision for a resilient and globally competitive livestock industry, and aligns with food security goals outlined in the National Livestock Transformation Plan.