Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has promised a new economic future for the state following the flag-off of a 500-cattle-per-day ultra-modern abattoir and Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the Heipang Special Agro-Processing Zone in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The projects, supported under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Programme, are aimed at strengthening the livestock value chain, boosting agro-industrial development, improving food safety standards, and creating sustainable employment opportunities across Plateau State.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at Pwomol Village, Governor Mutfwang described the projects as strategic investments that would transform Plateau into a major hub for livestock processing, agro-industrial growth, and wealth creation.
According to the governor, the ultra-modern abattoir would replace crude and unhygienic slaughter practices with a world-class automated processing facility capable of handling 500 cattle daily.
“Today marks the groundbreaking of a new economic future for Plateau State. We have gathered here at the Heipang Special Agro-Processing Zone to lay the foundation for an investment that will transform livestock from a traditional activity into a modern engine of wealth creation, industrial growth, and shared prosperity,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang explained that the project forms part of the broader vision of the state government to promote agro-processing and value addition as key drivers of economic development.
“The difference between poverty and prosperity is often the difference between producing and processing. That is why agro-processing and value addition remain central pillars of our economic development strategy,” he added.
He said the project was designed to create opportunities for farmers, livestock transporters, feed producers, processors, cold-chain operators, entrepreneurs, women, and youths within the livestock ecosystem.
The governor further noted that the Heipang Special Agro-Processing Zone would attract private investment, stimulate industrial growth, expand market access, and improve food safety standards while generating wealth for Plateau citizens.
Governor Mutfwang expressed optimism that the projects would be completed within one year and commended the host community for supporting the initiative.
Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described Plateau State as strategically positioned to lead Nigeria’s livestock transformation due to its favorable climate, resilient farming communities, and existing transport infrastructure.
He said the project represents Nigeria’s transition from informal slaughter systems to a modern integrated livestock and meat processing industry.
According to the minister, the facility would strengthen disease surveillance, traceability, food safety, and cold-chain management while positioning Plateau State as a major player in both domestic and export meat markets.
Maiha added that the abattoir would operate as a zero-waste facility where by-products such as hides, bones, blood, fats, and animal waste would be converted into leather products, fertilizers, biogas, industrial materials, and other value-added products.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Veterinary Services and Fisheries, Dr. Sunday Akpa, described the initiative as a historic step capable of boosting foreign exchange earnings and transforming Plateau into a major destination for livestock investment.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Samson Bugama, said the groundbreaking ceremony marked a defining moment in Plateau State’s economic transformation.
“We are not merely building an abattoir; we are laying the foundation for the future of our economy,” he stated.
Bugama explained that the project would serve as the anchor facility for the state’s 500-hectare Special Agro-Processing Zone and would stimulate feedlot development, attract cold-chain investors, leather processors, feed mill operators, and other stakeholders within the livestock value chain.
Stakeholders and community leaders at the event commended Governor Mutfwang for his commitment to economic transformation and expressed confidence that the projects would reposition Plateau State as a leading destination for livestock investment, agro-industrial development, and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.
