THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL (NEC) COMMENDS GOV. INUWA'S INVESTMENT IN LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMEN
The National Economic Council (NEC) has commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya-led administration for its bold and strategic investments in livestock development, describing the initiatives as a model for economic transformation, regional integration and sustainable peacebuilding in Nigeria.The commendation came during an inspection visit by the NEC delegation to the ongoing construction of the Ultramodern Abattoir and International Livestock Market at the Gombe Agro-Livestock Development Zone, one of the flagship livestock development projects being executed by the Gombe State Government through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project Speaking after the inspection, the leader of the NEC delegation, Hon. Dr. Maina Yaumi, said the team was in Gombe State to monitor the implementation of resolutions reached at meetings of the National Economic Council chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.Dr. Yaumi expressed satisfaction with the scale and quality of investments being undertaken by the state government, noting that the projects have the potential to transform the livestock value chain, stimulate regional economic growth and strengthen economic integration across Northern Nigeria and beyond."What we have seen here at the Agro-Livestock Development Zone is highly impressive and encouraging. These investments will significantly improve the livestock value chain, create economic opportunities and strengthen regional economic integration beyond Gombe State and the Northeast," he said.He noted that modernising the livestock sector remains critical to improving livelihoods, creating jobs and enhancing national economic development, urging other states to emulate Gombe's example in harnessing the vast potential of the livestock industry.According to Dr Maina, investments in modern livestock infrastructure would also contribute to addressing farmer-herder conflicts by promoting settled livestock production systems, improving productivity and creating sustainable economic opportunities for livestock producers.Also speaking, the Team Lead from the NEC Secretariat, Mr. Bala Kyari, explained that the visit was aimed at assessing the implementation of NEC resolutions and encouraging peer learning among states.He said the council seeks to promote healthy competition and knowledge-sharing among state governments through regular monitoring and evaluation of development initiatives.Speaking during the inspection, the State Project Coordinator of the Gombe State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, attributed the progress recorded in the livestock sector to the foresight, commitment and political will of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.He explained that the Ultramodern Abattoir, which was modelled after similar facilities in Turkey, would have the capacity to slaughter and process 500 cattle, 2,000 sheep and goats, and over 10,000 poultry birds daily upon completion.Professor Abubakar described Governor Inuwa Yahaya as a visionary leader who has consistently pioneered innovative approaches to development, particularly in agriculture and livestock production."Our governor possesses the vision and political will to open new frontiers of development. As Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum, he has demonstrated leadership by providing a model that other states can emulate in livestock development and economic diversification," he stated.He noted that the facility would significantly reduce losses associated with long-distance transportation of livestock while improving meat processing, value addition, food safety and market access.The Coordinator added that the state government had already provided the critical supporting infrastructure required for the success of the project, including road networks, electricity and water supply.According to him, the abattoir will also feature an integrated waste management system capable of converting animal waste into organic fertiliser and generating energy for the facility, making it environmentally sustainable and economically viable.Professor Abubakar further disclosed that the 184-hectare Gombe Agro-Livestock Development Zone comprises several strategic components, including the Ultramodern Abattoir, International Livestock Market, Tannery and Leather Processing Factory, Modern Veterinary Hospital, Poultry Production Hub, Livestock Fattening Facilities, Grains and Feed Market, Timber Market and an Inland Dry Port, among other complementary investments.He assured the NEC delegation that all agricultural and livestock-related components of the Agro-Livestock Development Zone are progressing according to schedule and would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.Professor Abubakar reaffirmed the commitment of the Gombe State Government and the L-PRES Project to transforming the livestock sector into a major driver of economic growth, employment generation and wealth creation in line with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's vision of making Gombe a leading livestock investment destination in Nigeria.
The National Economic Council (NEC) has commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya-led administration for its bold and strategic investments in livestock development, describing the initiatives as a model for economic transformation, regional integration and sustainable peacebuilding in Nigeria.
The commendation came during an inspection visit by the NEC delegation to the ongoing construction of the Ultramodern Abattoir and International Livestock Market at the Gombe Agro-Livestock Development Zone, one of the flagship livestock development projects being executed by the Gombe State Government through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project
Speaking after the inspection, the leader of the NEC delegation, Hon. Dr. Maina Yaumi, said the team was in Gombe State to monitor the implementation of resolutions reached at meetings of the National Economic Council chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Yaumi expressed satisfaction with the scale and quality of investments being undertaken by the state government, noting that the projects have the potential to transform the livestock value chain, stimulate regional economic growth and strengthen economic integration across Northern Nigeria and beyond.
"What we have seen here at the Agro-Livestock Development Zone is highly impressive and encouraging. These investments will significantly improve the livestock value chain, create economic opportunities and strengthen regional economic integration beyond Gombe State and the Northeast," he said.
He noted that modernising the livestock sector remains critical to improving livelihoods, creating jobs and enhancing national economic development, urging other states to emulate Gombe's example in harnessing the vast potential of the livestock industry.
According to Dr Maina, investments in modern livestock infrastructure would also contribute to addressing farmer-herder conflicts by promoting settled livestock production systems, improving productivity and creating sustainable economic opportunities for livestock producers.
Also speaking, the Team Lead from the NEC Secretariat, Mr. Bala Kyari, explained that the visit was aimed at assessing the implementation of NEC resolutions and encouraging peer learning among states.
He said the council seeks to promote healthy competition and knowledge-sharing among state governments through regular monitoring and evaluation of development initiatives.
Speaking during the inspection, the State Project Coordinator of the Gombe State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, attributed the progress recorded in the livestock sector to the foresight, commitment and political will of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
He explained that the Ultramodern Abattoir, which was modelled after similar facilities in Turkey, would have the capacity to slaughter and process 500 cattle, 2,000 sheep and goats, and over 10,000 poultry birds daily upon completion.
Professor Abubakar described Governor Inuwa Yahaya as a visionary leader who has consistently pioneered innovative approaches to development, particularly in agriculture and livestock production.
"Our governor possesses the vision and political will to open new frontiers of development. As Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum, he has demonstrated leadership by providing a model that other states can emulate in livestock development and economic diversification," he stated.
He noted that the facility would significantly reduce losses associated with long-distance transportation of livestock while improving meat processing, value addition, food safety and market access.
The Coordinator added that the state government had already provided the critical supporting infrastructure required for the success of the project, including road networks, electricity and water supply.
According to him, the abattoir will also feature an integrated waste management system capable of converting animal waste into organic fertiliser and generating energy for the facility, making it environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
Professor Abubakar further disclosed that the 184-hectare Gombe Agro-Livestock Development Zone comprises several strategic components, including the Ultramodern Abattoir, International Livestock Market, Tannery and Leather Processing Factory, Modern Veterinary Hospital, Poultry Production Hub, Livestock Fattening Facilities, Grains and Feed Market, Timber Market and an Inland Dry Port, among other complementary investments.
He assured the NEC delegation that all agricultural and livestock-related components of the Agro-Livestock Development Zone are progressing according to schedule and would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
