The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has inaugurated its state-of-the-art integrated abattoir and meat factory in Giri, located within the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This milestone was marked with a ceremony attended by prominent figures and representatives from various sectors.
Madam Massanje Toure-Litse, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture in ECOWAS, presided over the inauguration ceremony and expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s potential impact. She noted that this innovative endeavor would serve as a model to be replicated in other ECOWAS member countries. The ECOWAS commissioner emphasized the organization’s commitment to collaborating with NANTS to enhance regional livestock trade, thereby contributing to the economic development of the West African region.
Dr. Ken Ukaoha, the National President of NANTS, explained the primary objectives behind this ambitious project. He highlighted the urgent need for modernizing traditional methods of meat slaughtering and processing to meet stringent hygiene standards.
The high capital investment required to establish modern facilities had long been a hindrance to achieving this goal. However, NANTS, with support from ECOWAS-RAAF and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), embarked on this project to establish a cutting-edge abattoir.
Ukaoha emphasized that the new abattoir would revolutionize the entire process of animal slaughtering, ensuring the sale of healthy meat to the public under meticulously hygienic conditions, prioritizing human health and safety.
This integrated concept, implemented by NANTS, not only focuses on humane animal slaughter but also incorporates mechanisms for profitable waste conversion and capacity building initiatives involving public abattoir butchers. It is estimated that the project will generate approximately 500 job opportunities and significantly boost economic activities within the FCT.
Moreover, the abattoir will serve as a training centre, imparting international best practices to butchers. Several state governments have already expressed interest in collaborating with NANTS to replicate similar projects in their regions.
Alhaji Abu Giri, Chairman of the Gwagwalada Area Council, commended NANTS for its visionary project, emphasizing its potential as a training and consultancy centre for local institutions like the University of Abuja. He pledged continued support from the council for initiatives that promote trade and economic development in the area.
Alhaji Musa Wakili, the Aguma of Giri, also hailed the project’s potential to empower youth within the community. He encouraged other associations to follow NANTS’ lead in pursuing similar economic development initiatives.
NANTS had previously organized a capacity-building program, providing training on integrated modern abattoir practices, standards, and meat health safety regulations for 40 prospective workers at the facility. This training aimed to ensure the highest standards of meat hygiene, handling, processing, preservation, packaging, and logistics.
