ARDS mulls action against ‘illegal’ abattoirs

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) of the FCT Administration is set to decisively tackle the proliferation of illegal abattoirs in the FCT, as part of efforts to ensure strict adherence to established standards in meat handling and well-being of consumers in the Territory.
ARDS Mandate Secretary, Lawan Kolo Geidam, who made this disclosure when he met with officials of FCT Butchers Association, said the prevalence of unauthorised abattoirs severely affects the capacity of the Veterinary Services Department to monitor and enforce compliance to operational standards, thereby poses a significant threat to the safety of meat consumed by the public.
Geidam adds: “Our objective is in line with the statutory mandate of the Secretariat which is to ensure that abattoirs in the FCT not only duly registered and certified but that they are all up to standard for the good of public health.”
He however, assured the butchers of the Secretariat’s resolve to addressing the various challenges identified during his recent tour of abattoirs in the FCT.
“The need to provide non-stop water supply, efficient waste management, and the establishment of biogas stations as an alternative to the hazardous practice of using tires in processing animal skins.
“We will not ignore the significant issues facing our abattoirs, including the need for potable water and regular waste disposal and I assure you that present leadership of the FCT Administration, under Barrister Nyesom Wike and Honourable Minister of State FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, is dedicated to FCT has standards comparable to those found anywhere in the world”, he stated.
The ARDS boss further informed the Butchers that the Secretariat will intensify its daily meat inspection activities at the various abattoirs to 3nsure that no animal is slaughtered without being certified safe by the Veterinary Doctors.
He therefore appealed for their understanding and full cooperation, in facilitating the work of veterinary doctors.
Earlier in his remarks, Alh Bashir Musa Sarkin Pawa of Abuja, who spoke on behalf of the butchers assured the association’s full commitment to complying with the guidelines set forth by the Administration.
He commended the efforts made by the FCT Administration to improve the conditions of abattoirs, while also highlighting the pressing need to address the aging infrastructure of the abattoirs, underscoring the necessity of modernizing the facilities to ensure compliance with current standards and to enhance operational efficiency to meet the growing demand the public.