The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has stated that it will take firm action to combat the increase of illegal abattoirs in the FCT.
Mr Lawan Geidam, the Mandate Secretary, disclosed this when representatives from the FCT Butchers Association paid him a visit in Abuja.
Geidam added that the action is intended to ensure adherence to basic standards in meat processing and the safety of consumers in Abuja, the federal capital.
He stated that the Veterinary Services Department was doing all possible to monitor and enforce operating standards compliance.
He believes that the growth of unlicensed abattoirs poses a substantial threat to the safety of meat ingested by the general people.
“Our objective is in line with the statutory mandate of the secretariat, which is to ensure that abattoirs in the FCT are not only duly registered and certified but also up to standard for the good of public health.”
He assured the butchers of the secretariat’s commitment to addressing the various challenges affecting the sub-sector.
According to him, government is making efforts to provide water supply and ensure efficient waste management in the abattoirs.
He added that the administration was also concluding plans to establish bio-gas stations to serve as an alternative to the hazardous practice of using tires in processing animal skins.
“We will not ignore the significant issues facing our abattoirs, including the need for potable water and regular waste disposal.
“I assure you that the present leadership of the FCT Administration are working hard to maintain standard in service delivery across all sectors in the FCT.
“The secretariat will intensify its daily meat inspection activities at the various abattoirs to ensure that no animal is slaughtered without being certified safe by the veterinary doctors,” he said