By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Federal Government has backed a partnership between the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria, International Meat Processors and Fulcrum Technologies to strengthen Nigeria’s meat value chain through improved processing, cold-chain logistics and livestock traceability.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi-Mukhtar Maiha, gave the assurance during the signing of the partnership agreement in Abuja, describing AUFCDN as a key stakeholder in the livestock sector.
He said the collaboration would shift the industry from transporting live animals to processing meat in regulated abattoirs, boosting value addition, food security, rural development and job creation.
Maiha added that modern processing would maximise returns from hides, skins, bones, horns and other by-products while improving the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian meat products.
AUFCDN President, Kabir Dabai, said the partnership would modernise livestock and foodstuff businesses, expand market opportunities and improve members’ earnings.
He said the initiative was expected to generate nearly 10 million jobs through investments and the expansion of livestock-related businesses, while identifying multiple taxation as a major challenge facing operators.
An official of International Meat Processors, Abdullah Salem, described the agreement as a strategic alliance to transform Nigeria’s livestock value chain through innovation, investment and technology.
According to him, the partnership will establish a digital livestock registry, a traceability platform, Sharia-compliant financing, insurance services, veterinary support, modern processing facilities and cold-chain logistics to improve productivity.
