Nigerian Traders Association significant move to address Nigeria’s annual meat importation bill, which exceeds $400 million, the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art abattoir and meat factory in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This transformative project is a collaborative effort involving NANTS, ECOWAS, Swiss Cooperation, the West African Institute for Agricultural Trade and Development (WAITAD), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, which provided vital technical support.
Nigerian Traders’ Association integrated meat facility project, supported by a $275,000 grant from ECOWAS and an investment of approximately $150,000 from NANTS, is built on an innovative investment model designed to gradually evolve into a profitable business. It aims to create employment opportunities for young individuals, offering attractive returns on investment, self-sustainability, and reduced reliance on external funding.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Ken Ukaoha, President of NANTS, lamented the fact that the diplomatic community and other Nigerians collectively spend over $400 million annually on meat imports due to concerns about the hygiene of domestic abattoirs. He highlighted that this initiative aims to address these concerns, boost local patronage, conserve foreign exchange reserves, and generate employment opportunities for Nigeria’s youthful population.
Ukaoha emphasized the importance of the project, especially given the current environmental conditions of the country’s abattoirs, which have discouraged both government and private investments. The new abattoir features improved facilities, including a lairage for the humane treatment of animals before slaughter, ensuring their health and safety. The facility is also equipped with processing and packaging units, a cold room, a management office, and a training center for butchers.
Ukaoha expressed gratitude to ECOWAS for its support and trust in NANTS, with plans to replicate similar initiatives in other ECOWAS member countries.
Madam Massandje Toure-Litse, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, officially inaugurated the facility, highlighting the significant economic potential of the livestock sector despite the challenges faced in member states.
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