The Federal Government has intensified efforts to revitalise underutilised livestock infrastructure across the country, as the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, concluded a detailed inspection of major livestock facilities in Enugu State, reaffirming commitments to unlock new economic opportunities within the sector.
Speaking during the tour on Wednesday, the Minister said the assessment has given the government a clearer understanding of the state of abandoned assets and the steps required for their full rehabilitation.
He visited the Okpuje Pig and Progeny Centre — a 26.2-hectare facility with a 3,000-stock capacity established 43 years ago but left dormant for decades, commending the host community for protecting the investment over the years. Mukhtar disclosed that plans are underway to revive the centre and establish a modular abattoir capable of processing bacon for both domestic consumption and export.
The Executive Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Jude Chinedu Asogwa, expressed gratitude to the Tinubu administration for prioritising the rehabilitation, noting that the intervention aligns with the State Government’s ongoing push to expand agriculture as a key driver of prosperity.
The Minister also inspected the Adada Cattle Multiplication Centre, an 847-hectare facility that has remained unused. After reviewing the site and the adjoining Adada Dam, he said the Ministry now has a better grasp of the infrastructural requirements needed to operationalise the centre. Describing the landscape as “a paradise yet to be discovered,” Mukhtar revealed that the dam would be deployed to irrigate extensive pasture fields planned for development at the location.
He stressed the importance of practical, field-level engagement, explaining that the Ministry must “come out to the field, discover the potential, and create the environment for private sector and public-private partnerships to work with us to change the narrative.”
In Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, the Chairman, Barr. Chijioke Ezeugwu, welcomed the Minister’s visit and pledged full community support for the revival of the centre, emphasising the economic prospects it holds for residents.
The Minister also stopped at Mary Agro Farms in Udi, an initiative of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu and held engagements with livestock stakeholders.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to fully harnessing the livestock sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for non-oil industries to significantly contribute to national growth and Nigeria’s GDP.
