The Federal Government has announced plans to generate up to 10,000 jobs from each modern abattoir as part of efforts to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector and create more employment opportunities.

The initiative is also aimed at reducing the transportation of live cattle across the country by promoting modern meat processing and distribution systems.

Under the proposed approach, cattle would be processed closer to production centres, with meat transported to consumers and markets.

The Federal Government said the development of modern abattoirs would help create jobs across various stages of the livestock value chain, including animal production, processing, packaging, transportation, cold-chain logistics and marketing.

The plan is expected to contribute to the modernisation of Nigeria’s livestock industry while improving meat handling, processing standards and value addition. It also forms part of broader efforts to develop the sector and strengthen its contribution to the national economy.

By shifting from the movement of live animals to processed meat, the government hopes to reduce the logistical challenges associated with long-distance cattle transportation while creating new opportunities for businesses and workers within the livestock value chain.