In a significant development for Nigeria's meat industry, the Nigeria-based Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, in partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Traders and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art slaughterhouse in Abuja. Valued at $425,000, this cutting-edge facility is set to revolutionize beef processing in Nigeria, addressing the rising demand for meat consumption in the country. Nigeria, home to the largest cattle herd in West Africa, with over 20 million head in 2020, has struggled with an inadequate processing industry to meet the nation's growing appetite for beef.
The newly commissioned slaughterhouse features modern amenities, including a veterinary office, advanced processing units, a state-of-the-art packaging unit, and a spacious cold room capable of storing up to 25 tonnes of meat for optimal preservation and quality. Additionally, it incorporates an innovative waste transformation facility that converts slaughter waste into biogas and liquid fertilizer, aligning with sustainability and environmental preservation. The facility also includes a specialized training center to enhance the skills of butchers and other stakeholders in the meat and livestock sector.