Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has called for collaboration and support of experts in the meat industry toward boosting meat business in the state.

Mr Mutfwang made the call on Saturday shortly after inspecting the Abis Farms Ltd, an abattoir facility situated in Idu Industrial layout of the Federal Capital Territory.

The governor declared his intention to replicate the structure and business module of the Abis farms Ltd, to boost the meat packing industry in the state.

Mr Mutfwang, who reiterated his administration’s commitment toward improving every sector of the economy, particularly the agriculture sector, said that the meat industry in the state would take a definite shape before the end of 2024.

He said, “Having seen a physical demonstration of what a standard meat packing industry should look like, revamping our abattoirs in Jos and other locations is a possibility. What has been achieved here gives us the inspiration to pursue our dreams in seeing to the realisation of such a feat in Plateau. As you know we have already started discussing with investors to be able to rebuild the abattoir in Jos. By the grace of God before the end of this year, we’ll make a definite statement.”

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abis farms, Emmanuel Usman, recounted the huge successes achieved through partnership with states like Lagos.

He said that the facility, if replicated in Plateau, would create employment opportunities for over 3,000 residents.

“This facility is sitting on 3,000 square feet, with capacity to house 1,000 cattle in a day; 100 tonnes of chicken, 5,000 to 6,000 rams and goats can all be processed in a day. Apart from ensuring the effective processing and distribution of healthy meat, dairy and poultry items, this facility will also employ between 250 to 300 direct workers. But on a general scale, it can create job opportunities for more than 3,000 residents of Abuja,” he said.

Similarly, the Executive Director of the Alternative Bank, a non-interest arm of Sterling Bank, Garba Mohammed, promised to partner with the Plateau State government toward replicating the facility in the state.

He said, “Due to the important role such facility will play to better the environment, we are willing to support the Plateau State government toward the actualisation of this project.’’

(NAN)