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ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN)- The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has urged for legislative measures to ensure that all animals processed in abattoirs are handled in a controlled and hygienic environment to protect public health.
Maiha made this announcement on Friday during the 2025 Ministerial News Conference held in Abuja.
He stressed that implementing such measures would guarantee that the slaughtered animals are healthy for consumption and allow the nation to fully exploit the potential of the livestock sector.
He pointed out the underutilization of resources in abattoirs, including cow blood, horns, skin, bones, bone marrow, and bile, which are currently discarded.
Maiha mentioned that if these resources were effectively utilized, the hide and skin alone could create 700,000 jobs and generate approximately 23 billion dollars in value for the country.
He elaborated that economically, if 200 cows were slaughtered in an abattoir, the blood could be directed to blood banks, with each cow providing 30 litres of blood worth 1,000 Naira per litre.
Maiha noted that each cow produces 30 kilograms of solid waste post-slaughter, which could be converted into biogas to power the abattoir.
He explained that bones could be pulverized into calcium for animal feed, and bone marrow could be supplied to pharmaceutical companies for drug manufacturing.
He attributed the recent rise in beef prices to an over-reliance on red meat, which makes up 55 percent of cow meat, while the other parts are regarded as waste.
He assured that the ministry would enforce best practices in abattoirs to generate employment and boost the country's economy.
Maiha reiterated the ministry’s vision of establishing a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive livestock sector that fosters economic diversification, growth, job creation, food and nutrition security, and improved livelihoods.
He added that the mission is to develop innovative, inclusive, and sustainable public service programs to advance the agricultural sector and unlock the volume and value of businesses in that area.
The conference aimed to enhance understanding of the government's progress and developmental goals. It also aligns with President Bola Tinubu's directive to ministers to update on the achievements, policies, and programs of their respective ministries.
This initiative reflects the administration’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and effective communication with the Nigerian populace.
