The National Association of Nigerian Traders, NANTS, has commissioned its Modern Integrated Abattoir and Meat Factory in Giri, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
Performing the ceremony in Giri Abuja, the Commissioner, Economic Affairs and Agriculture in ECOWAS, Madam Massanje Toure – Litse said the project would be replicated in other member countries of ECOWAS.
She therefore reiterated ECOWAS readiness to continue to collaborate with NANTS on strengthening regional livestock trade that would add value to economic development among member countries of ECOWAS.
Earlier, the National President of NANTS, Dr Ken Ukuoaha said the project was to ensure best practices on meat handling, processing, preservation, package and logistics.
“The need to modernize the traditional method of meat slaughtering and processing by subjecting the entire process under hygienic conditions had hitherto remained a mirage due to the huge capital investment involved in building modern facilities.l” Dr Ukuoaha stated
According to him, the challenge is what informed the intervention by NANTS with the support of ECOWAS-RAAF and the Swiss Development Cooperation , SDC, to establish a modern abattoir which will address the issues relating to animal slaughtering and ensure the sale of healthy meat to the public under very hygienic processing conditions that assures human health safety.
He explained that the project was implemented by NANTS with an integrated concept aimed at promoting humane slaughter of animals, profitable waste conversion mechanism and capacity building engagements with public abattoir butchers.
Dr Ukuoaha said the project which has led to the creation of about three thousand direct and indirect obs would also boost economic activities in the FCT.
The National President of NANTS who said the Abattoir would equally serve as training centre to butchers on international best practices painted that some State Governments had already indicated interest on similar project that would be facilitated by NANTS.
In a message, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Alhaji Abu Giri commended NANTS for the project saying it would serve as training and consultancy centre for University of Abuja and other higher institutions within its environs
The Chairman expressed the Council’s readiness to continue to support NANTS on projects that would fast track trade and economic development of the area
Also speaking, the Aguma of Giri, Alhaji Musa Wakili said the project would go a long way in empowering unemployed youths in the community
Alhaji Wakili therefore called on other Association to emulate NANTS on such economic developmental project.
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