The FCT Administration (FCTA) says plans are underway to remodel the Dei-dei livestock market to standard befitting the status of the Federal Capital Territory.

The mandate secretary for the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Abubakar Ibrahim, disclosed this on Sunday while briefing journalists following the successful removal of illegal structures and businesses at the Kugbo livestock market.

The FCTA on Saturday demolished illegal mechanic workshops constructed on the land earmarked for livestock market at Kugbo on Abuja-Nyanya- Keffi Expressway.

Ikharo Attah, the FCT minister’s special assistant on monitoring, inspection and enforcement, who led the demolition explained that the action was necessitated by complaints received from the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat.

Mr Ibrahim noted that the activities of illegal squatters and businesses at the Kugbo market constituted incumberances to efforts of the secretariat to organise the market for livestock business.

“You are very much aware that the secretariat has for so long found it difficult to remove the illegal structures. We must thank the FCT Taskforce headed by Mr Ikharo Attah for the success recorded. The secretariat will be able to add value to the operations in the market,” he explained.

The secretary also stated that the secretariat would immediately take possession of the land to ensure that the illegal operators do not return to the site.

”Going forward I have directed the Animal Husbandry Department to take full possession of the land while we also take census of the livestock dealers that are currently operating there,” he stressed. “The secretariat is determined to have a market that is all-inclusive with clearly delineated areas for different livestock value chain activities in line with global best practices.”

He added, “Our doors will be open to interested private companies to come in the areas of conversion of waste to energy, milk production and other value addition projects.”

The secretary appealed to dealers of livestock who might want to take advantage of the Eid-el-Kabir festive period to make brisk business to avoid putting up illegal markets. He warned that the task force has the mandate of the FCTA to not only confiscate the animals on sale but prosecute defaulters.

”Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. We have held a series of meetings with officials of livestock dealers in FCT on the need to call their members to order,” he stressed. “We equally are appealing to residents to only patronise officially designated livestock markets where we can guarantee the source of livestock to avoid buying stolen animals.”

(NAN)