PIGD hails Mutfwang’s livestock development projects

The Plateau Initiative for Growth and Development has commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the groundbreaking of a 500-cattle-per-day ultra-modern abattoir and a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Plateau State, describing the projects as transformative interventions for the state’s economy.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Nengak David, the group said the projects marked a significant step towards repositioning Plateau from a producer of raw agricultural commodities to a major agro-industrial and livestock processing hub.

The projects, located at Pwomol Village in Heipang and Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, are being implemented under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Programme.

PIGD said the governor’s intervention demonstrated a commitment to unlocking Plateau’s vast livestock potential and creating opportunities across the livestock value chain.

According to the group, the projects would generate jobs, increase revenue, improve food safety and create new opportunities for farmers, herders, butchers, transporters, processors and investors.

“The groundbreaking of a 500-cattle-per-day ultra-modern abattoir and a Veterinary Teaching Hospital is not an ordinary project. It is a statement of intent. It shows that Governor Mutfwang understands that Plateau cannot continue to sit on huge agricultural and livestock potential without converting it into wealth, jobs and sustainable prosperity for the people,” the statement said.

PIGD noted that the ultra-modern abattoir, described as the largest in the region, would replace crude and unhygienic slaughter practices with a modern and automated meat processing system capable of attracting private investment and expanding market access.

The group also praised the governor’s plan for the Heipang Special Agro-Processing Zone, saying it would stimulate businesses in feed production, cold-chain services, meat packaging, leather processing, transportation and veterinary services.

It added that the Veterinary Teaching Hospital would strengthen Plateau’s reputation as a centre for animal health, research and livestock development while supporting training, disease control and improved productivity in the sector.

PIGD urged host communities to support contractors and government agencies handling the projects to ensure their timely completion.

The group also called on investors, development partners and stakeholders in the livestock sector to take advantage of what it described as Plateau’s growing potential as a destination for livestock investment, meat processing and agricultural value addition.

According to the group, the projects demonstrate the Mutfwang administration’s commitment to laying the foundation for long-term economic transformation in Plateau State.