By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Morocco have expressed interest in livestock products from Gombe State’s ultramodern abattoir under construction, raising prospects for international exports, job creation and economic growth.
The State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, disclosed this during an inspection of the facility by the White Paper Implementation Committee on Grazing Reserves, Forest Reserves, Game Reserves and Cattle Routes.
Abubakar said Qatar had shown particular interest in goat meat from indigenous Northern Nigerian breeds, adding that the project could position Gombe State as a major supplier of livestock products to international markets.
He explained that the abattoir would operate under a halal system to meet the requirements of its target markets.
Upon completion, the facility is designed to process at least 500 cattle and 1,000 sheep and goats daily.
Abubakar said equipment manufacturers had inspected the site and expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, adding that equipment installation was expected to commence soon.
Integrated Livestock Development Project
The abattoir is part of the Gombe Agro Livestock Development Zone, which covers more than 200 hectares and includes livestock fattening centres, an international cattle market, a grains and livestock feed market, a building materials market and an inland dry port.
According to Abubakar, the integrated facilities are expected to strengthen livestock production, reduce transportation-related losses, create jobs and increase the income of farmers, traders and other operators across the livestock value chain.
He added that the inland dry port would facilitate export procedures and improve access to international markets.
Committee Calls for Protection of Grazing Reserves
Speaking during the inspection, the committee chairman, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Babaji Sunday, said the visit was aimed at assessing the implementation of government decisions on grazing reserves, forest reserves, game reserves and cattle routes.
He commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for investing in livestock modernisation, describing the initiative as a potential driver of economic growth and peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
Sunday said an earlier committee led by retired AIG Zubairu Muazu, Ubandoman Gombe, had assessed grazing reserves, fodder reserves and cattle routes across the state and identified areas affected by encroachment.
He emphasised the need to reclaim designated grazing areas and livestock routes amid increasing pressure on land arising from population growth and competing agricultural activities.
According to him, providing accessible grazing reserves, veterinary services and improved agricultural support would help reduce farmer-herder conflicts and promote sustainable livestock production.
The committee comprises representatives of government ministries and agencies, security institutions, traditional authorities, farmers’ and herders’ associations, and relevant technical bodies.
