Katsina Hosts Regional Dialogue on Improving Transportation, Safety Standards Across Livestock Value Chain

Efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock value chain took centre stage in Katsina State as key players across the sector gathered for a regional dialogue focused on improving transportation and safety standards.

The engagement, convened by the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria, brought together government officials, security representatives, traders and producers under the theme of promoting safer livestock movement and clearing bottlenecks on major highways. The meeting also marked the launch of a digital registration drive for union members.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, described the forum as a critical intervention for an industry that sustains millions of Nigerians. He emphasised the strategic importance of the North West as a leading livestock producing region and called for stronger collaboration among all actors in the value chain to drive growth and stability.

The governor acknowledged persistent challenges including insecurity, poor transport systems and weak market infrastructure, while reiterating his administration’s resolve to modernise livestock production and enhance market operations. He disclosed plans to establish a modern abattoir with capacity for two thousand animals, aimed at boosting processing, value addition and industrial activities linked to livestock.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, used the occasion to push for a shift away from the traditional system of moving live animals across long distances. He advocated a transition towards a structured value chain that prioritises processing and export of finished products.

He highlighted the potential of the Mai’Adua International Livestock Market, urging that it evolve into a continuous trading hub rather than operating on a periodic basis. According to him, expanding such facilities would help Nigeria retain more economic value within the sector.

The minister also pointed to ongoing reforms such as the establishment of veterinary checkpoints along livestock routes to improve disease control, traceability and overall efficiency. He presented the National Livestock Transformation Roadmap to the state government, outlining strategies designed to unlock economic opportunities, enhance food security and support export diversification.

During his visit, Maiha toured several livestock facilities including Maidebino Farms, which he praised for its large scale operations involving tens of thousands of small ruminants. He also commended other farms in the state for their work in dairy development and crossbreeding, noting their role in reducing reliance on imported milk products.

Katsina State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Ahmad Mohammad Bakori, further explained that the proposed abattoir project is expected to be completed within eighteen months after final approval. He added that the facility would stimulate related industries such as meat processing and leather production, contributing to economic development in the state.