There was widespread excitement and celebration across Plateau State as the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, took another bold step toward repositioning the state as a leading agro-industrial hub with the groundbreaking of a 500-cattle-per-day ultra-modern abattoir at Pwomol Village, Heipang, and a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The projects, supported by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Programme, are designed to strengthen the livestock value chain, improve food safety standards, create employment opportunities, attract private investment, and enhance Plateau State’s capacity for meat processing and export.

Performing the foundation-laying ceremony, Governor Mutfwang described the projects as strategic investments that will stimulate economic growth, increase revenue generation, and create sustainable jobs, particularly for young people across the state.

According to the Governor, the ultra-modern abattoir is a critical component of the Heipang Special Agro-Processing Zone, an initiative aimed at reducing poverty and driving large-scale agricultural and industrial development.

“Today marks the groundbreaking of a new economic future for Plateau State. We have gathered here at the Heipang Special Agro-Processing Zone to lay the foundation for an investment that will transform livestock from a traditional activity into a modern engine of wealth creation, industrial growth, and shared prosperity,” Governor Mutfwang stated.

“We are replacing crude and unhygienic slaughter practices with a world-class, automated abattoir capable of processing 500 cattle daily—the largest facility of its kind in this region.”
The Governor noted that many African economies have remained trapped in poverty not because of a lack of resources, but because they export raw products and import finished goods.
“The difference between poverty and prosperity is often the difference between producing and processing. That is why agro-processing and value addition remain central pillars of our economic development strategy,” he added.

Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the vision of his administration is to ensure that every segment of the value chain within the Special Agro-Processing Zone creates income and opportunities for Plateau citizens.

“Farmers who grow maize and soybeans for animal feed must benefit. Youths involved in livestock transportation must benefit. Entrepreneurs operating cold rooms must benefit. Processors packaging meat products must also benefit. The Heipang Special Agro-Processing Zone is a strategic platform that will attract private investment, improve food safety standards, expand market access, stimulate industrial development, create jobs, and most importantly, generate wealth for our people.”

The Governor expressed confidence that the projects would be completed within one year and commended the host community for its unwavering support. He called on residents to continue supporting the contractors to ensure timely completion.

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described Plateau State as uniquely positioned to lead Nigeria’s livestock transformation.

According to the Minister, Plateau possesses “a hospitable climate, resilient farming communities, strategic road, rail, and airport connections, as well as a long-standing tradition of excellence in animal health services.”

He noted that the project symbolizes Nigeria’s transition “from informal slaughter systems to modern meat production; from waste to value creation; and from the trade of raw live animals to an integrated livestock and meat industry.”

The Minister stressed that modern livestock infrastructure is essential for improving public health, increasing productivity, and unlocking export opportunities.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Veterinary Services and Fisheries, Dr. Sunday Akpa, described the initiative as a historic milestone with the potential to boost foreign exchange earnings and transform Plateau into a major livestock investment destination.

He noted that the project reflects Governor Mutfwang’s unwavering commitment to moving Plateau State beyond the production of raw agricultural commodities toward agro-industrial excellence and livestock-driven economic prosperity.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Samson Bugama, described the groundbreaking as a defining moment in Plateau State’s economic transformation.

“Today, we move from speech to soil. We are not merely building an abattoir; we are laying the foundation for the future of our economy,” he said.

Bugama explained that the facility would serve as the anchor project for the state’s 500-hectare Special Agro-Processing Zone, adding that the livestock value chain, long regarded as a sleeping giant, is now being strategically positioned to drive exports, industrial growth, and wealth creation.

He further stated that the project would stimulate feedlot development, promote value addition, attract cold-chain investors, leather processors, and feed mill operators, while creating extensive opportunities for farmers, herders, transporters, butchers, and other stakeholders within the livestock ecosystem.

In separate goodwill messages, community leaders and stakeholders commended Governor Mutfwang for his visionary leadership and commitment to economic transformation in Barkin Ladi and Plateau State at large.

They expressed confidence that the projects would reposition Plateau State as a leading destination for livestock investment, agro-industrial development, and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.