Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has confirmed the receipt of N60 billion support from the federal government for the establishment of a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone.

Mr Yahaya disclosed this in Gombe on Saturday during a ground-breaking ceremony for the establishment of the zone.

He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration had pledged N120 billion in support towards the establishment of the zone and had released part of the money.

The governor stated that the initiative aimed to build a prosperous and sustainable future in livestock development in the state.

He said the zone, which will cover 184 hectares, would house an ultramodern abattoir, an international livestock market, fattening hubs, a tannery and leather factory, a world-class grains and livestock feeds market, and an inland dry port.

“Each facility is designed with cutting-edge infrastructure to enable safe, efficient, and large-scale processing and commerce.

“The Gombe Ultramodern Abattoir is set to transform meat processing in Gombe State, and indeed the entire Northern region of Nigeria.

“ This automated facility will enable hygienic, efficient, and globally compliant processing, packaging, and distribution – serving both domestic and international markets.

“By eliminating the outdated practice of transporting live animals under unsafe and costly conditions, we pave the way for a smarter, safer livestock economy,” he said.

The governor noted that the project would provide job opportunities, enhance productivity, encourage import substitution, and increase foreign earnings along all segments of the livestock value chain.

Mr Yahaya commended Mr Tinubu for his support towards harnessing the huge potential in the livestock sector.

On his part, Idi Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, restated the federal government’s commitment to the development of the livestock sector.

Mr Maiha said the Agro-Livestock Industrial zone aligned with Mr Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve animal processing capacity for local and international consumption.

He commended the governor for his initiative to revamp the livestock sector, adding that the facility, when completed, would process 500 bulls, 1,000 small ruminants and 3,000 poultry birds daily.

(NAN)