By Mustapha Salisu
Plans to establish a modern abattoir in Kano took centre stage on Friday as the Federal Government and the Kano State Government intensified efforts to transform the livestock sector and unlock new economic opportunities across the state.
The proposed facility is expected to upgrade meat processing to international standards, revive the hides and skins industry, create employment for young people and strengthen Kano’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading livestock hubs.
Speaking at the Government House, Kano, Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo said the project formed part of broader discussions with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development during the working visit of the minister, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Garo said the state was committed to collaborating with the Federal Government and private investors to deliver the project while also rehabilitating the existing Kano abattoir, which has served residents for more than 60 years.
He explained that the goal is to ensure livestock are processed within Kano instead of being transported elsewhere, thereby adding value locally and expanding export opportunities.
“We will collaborate with the ministry to ensure that this modern abattoir becomes a reality. It will create jobs for our youths, revive the hides and skins industry, and improve the quality of meat processing for both local consumption and export,” he said.
The deputy governor noted that the partnership extends beyond meat processing to other areas of the livestock value chain, including dairy production, poultry, fisheries, cattle rearing and leather production.
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He added that improved storage facilities for eggs would enhance poultry production and benefit women who dominate the sector, while investments in milk processing and distribution would boost dairy production and create more economic opportunities.
Garo described the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a major step towards repositioning the industry, adding that Kano had demonstrated similar commitment by creating its own Ministry of Livestock Development.
He said Kano’s long history as a major producer and exporter of livestock places it in a strategic position to benefit from ongoing reforms.
Earlier, Minister of Livestock Development Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha said Kano possesses the resources required to drive the Federal Government’s livestock development blueprint.
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He pointed to the state’s more than 13 dams as critical assets capable of supporting livestock production and related agricultural activities.
Maiha also praised the Kano State Government for establishing a dedicated ministry for livestock development, describing the move as evidence of strong political commitment to the sector.
The minister expressed confidence that the partnership would position Kano as a leading centre for livestock development and investment in Nigeria.