FG seeks investment in abattoirs maintenance

The Federal Government wants the private sector to invest in the maintenance of abattoirs across the country in order to boost the sanitary condition of the facilities.

Dr Gideon Mshelbwala, the Director, Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, made the call on Friday in Abuja.

Mshelbwala said that private sector involvement in abattoir business would help improve the sanitary conditions of the facilities.

He listed some major challenge facing abattoirs in the country to include inadequate water supply, lack of proper waste disposal, among others.

“This is what private individuals can invest in, someone can bring a cold van and help in the transportation of meat from abattoirs to the markets.

“The private sector can come in and invest in the business of meat transportation and sanitation in abattoirs because government cannot do this alone,’’ he said.

The director, also the Chief Veterinary Officer in the ministry, disclosed that the government was also planning to train animal butchers across the country to ensure proper sanitary conditions in abattoirs.

“The government and the association of butchers and meat sellers can train abattoir workers on hygienic practices.

“ It is a thing that is ongoing, this is our aspirations and we hope to achieve that,’’ he said.

Mshelbwala noted that the Federal Government had supported some states in the rehabilitation and provision of basic amenities in their abattoirs.

The director said the Federal Government rehabilitated abattoirs in Suleja, Niger, Karu in FCT, among others.

He said the support and rehabilitation was to guarantee hygienic meat for public consumption.