The Federal Capital Territory Administration‘s Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat is determined to take firm measures in addressing the surge of unauthorized abattoirs within the FCT.
Mr. Lawan Geidam, the Mandate Secretary, communicated this information during a visit by the FCT Butchers Association officials to his office in Abuja.
Geidam clarified that the focus was on maintaining minimum standards in meat handling to safeguard the health and well-being of consumers in Abuja, the federal capital.
He highlighted the proactive role of the Veterinary Services Department, noting their ongoing efforts to monitor and ensure compliance with operational standards.
Pointing out a critical issue, he noted that the proliferation of unauthorized abattoirs represents a major threat to the safety of the meat consumed by the public.
‘Our objective is in line with the statutory mandate of the secretariat, which is to ensure that abattoirs in the FCT are not only duly registered and certified but also up to standard for the good of public health.’
He assured the butchers of the secretariat’s commitment to addressing the various challenges affecting the sub-sector.
Read also: FCTA Disapproves Of Arts Centre Being Used As Drinking Spot
He said that efforts were ongoing to provide water supply and ensure efficient waste management in the abattoirs.
He added that the administration was also concluding plans to establish biogas stations to serve as an alternative to the hazardous practise of using tyres in processing animal skins.
‘We will not ignore the significant issues facing our abattoirs, including the need for potable water and regular waste disposal.’
‘I assure you that the present leadership of the FCT Administration is working hard to maintain standard in service delivery across all sectors in the FCT.’
‘The secretariat will intensify its daily meat inspection activities at the various abattoirs to ensure that no animal is slaughtered without being certified safe by the veterinary doctors,’ he said.
Hence, he called on butchers to cooperate, facilitating the work of veterinary doctors during activities such as inspections, vaccinations, and other services.
The association’s chairman, Alhaji Bashir Musa, earlier affirmed the association’s commitment to comply with the administration’s guidelines on the establishment and operation of abattoirs.
Musa expressed gratitude to the FCTA for efforts to enhance abattoir conditions, emphasizing the necessity to address the aging infrastructure of these facilities.
In addition, he praised the FCTA for its plan to modernize abattoirs in alignment with best practices, emphasizing the positive impact on efficiency and the quality of service delivery.