The Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, on Monday laid the foundation stone for the construction of an international-standard livestock processing and abattoir facility in the state.
The facility, located at Haipang in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, is expected to serve as a major agro-industrial hub. Upon completion, it will process livestock and other agricultural products, boosting the state’s economy through value addition and industrial development.
Addressing a gathering of government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders during the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Mutfwang said the ultra-modern facility, designed to process up to 500 cattle daily, would serve as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, increased internally generated revenue, and reduced 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,” the governor 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,” he added.
Governor Mutfwang 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 emphasized that livestock development goes beyond cattle rearing to include dairy production, forage cultivation, leather manufacturing, processing, transportation, and marketing.
The governor encouraged households and small-scale farmers to embrace dairy farming and animal feed production, describing both 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 State could harness similar 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 disclosed plans to make Plateau State a leading hub for livestock processing, dairy development, animal feed production, leather manufacturing, and agro-industrial investment.
Governor 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 toward the realization of the project.
He assured residents that the project would be completed within one year and would subsequently be managed by the private sector to ensure efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the project as a historic milestone that would usher in a new era of economic prosperity for Plateau State. He commended Governor Mutfwang for his vision and commitment to transforming the livestock sector.
The project is expected to significantly strengthen Plateau State’s agro-industrial base, enhance livestock value chains, and position the state as a key player in Nigeria’s livestock and agricultural processing industry.
