By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Agriculture and Rural Department Secretariat has warned butchers against operating abattoirs in the territory without government approval.
The secretariat said it will take stringent action against the proliferation of illegal abattoirs as part of efforts to ensure the adherence to established standards in meat handling and the well-being of consumers in the Territory.
Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Geidam, disclosed this when he met with officials of FCT Butchers Association last week.
In a statement issued by the deputy Director information of the secretariat, Zakari Aliyu, said the administration was concerned over the prevalence of unauthorized abattoirs, emphasizing it impact on the capacity of the Veterinary Services Department to monitor and enforce compliance to operational standards, a situation which he warns poses a significant threat to the safety of meat consumed by the public.
The statement read: “our objective is in line with the statutory mandate of the Secretariat which is to ensure that abattoirs in the FCT not only duly registered and certified but that they are all up to standard for the good of public health.”
Geidam assured the Butchers of the Secretariat’s commitment to addressing the various challenges identified during his recent tour of abattoirs in the FCT, among which include the need to provide non-stop water supply, efficient waste management, and the establishment of biogas stations 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 and I assure you that present leadership of the FCT Administration, under Barrister Nyesom Wike and Honourable Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, is dedicated to FCT has standads comparable to those found anywhere in t.he world”.
He informed the Butchers that the Secretariat will intensify its daily meat inspection activities at the various abattoirs to 3nsure that no animal is slaughtered without being certified safe by the Veterinary Doctors. He therefore appealed for grayer understanding and full cooperation of the Butchers in facilitating the work of Veterinary Doctors.
In his remarks, Alh Bashir Musa Sarkin Pawa, who spoke on behalf of the butcher expressed the association’s full commitment to complying with the guidelines set forth by the Administration.
He commended the efforts made by the FCT Administration to improve the conditions of abattoirs.
While highlighting the pressing need to address the aging infrastructure of the abattoirs, underscoring the necessity of modernizing the facilities to ensure compliance with current standards.
The measures, the statement said will not only protect their businesses but also enhance revenue generation for the FCT Administration.
