Efforts to modernise livestock production, improve food safety and tackle security concerns in the meat value chain have received a boost in Rivers State with the commissioning of a privately owned modern abattoir.

The facility, established by businessman and livestock investor, Bassey Duke, under the auspices of the National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NACDPAMN), is expected to promote hygienic meat processing, create jobs and strengthen investment in the state’s livestock industry.

Speaking during the inauguration, Rivers State Chairman of NACDPAMN, Godspower Amadi, described the facility as a model abattoir that aligns with the federal government’s livestock development agenda.

He said the investment represents a major shift from traditional slaughter practices to modern meat processing, capable of preserving products for both local consumption and export.

According to him, increased private investment in modern abattoirs across the state’s 23 local councils would not only make quality meat more affordable but also help curb insecurity and criminal activities associated with the conventional handling and movement of livestock.

Amadi noted that the facility would contribute to the diversification of Rivers’ economy through the livestock sector, while raising hygiene standards in meat production. He further urged residents to patronise the facility, disclosing that the operators would soon deploy specially designed hygienic delivery vehicles to transport processed meat directly to customers.

On his part, the founder, Bassey Duke, said his decision to establish the abattoir was driven by the need to transform the livestock business into a more profitable and modern enterprise.

Lamenting that cattle slaughtering in many parts of Nigeria remains outdated, he called on the government to provide grants that would enable operators to acquire modern processing equipment, cold storage facilities and mobile freezers.

According to him, “this business has been peasantry. It is shameful that at this age and time, we are still killing cattle the way our parents did 20 to 30 years ago,” he said.

Duke urged more investors to explore opportunities in the livestock value chain, insisting that the sector offers enormous economic potential despite existing challenges.

Also speaking, livestock supplier, Ibrahim Mustapha, commended the initiative but appealed for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and security agencies to address the challenges faced in transporting cattle across the country.