Borno Renovates 51-Year Old Abattoir At N162.5 Million

To prevent the spread of tuberculosis, anthrax and other contagious diseases from consumption and processing of meat in Borno state, the state government is to renovate a 51-year old Maiduguri Main Abattoir (MMAB) at the cost of N162.5 million by Al-Ansar Nigeria Limited .

Awarding the contract Wednesday at the Musa Usman secretariat complex, Maiduguri, the Borno state Commissioner of Animal and Fisheries, Prof.

Umar Kyari Sandabe disclosed that the abattoir when completed will have an installed capacity of slaughtering 250-300 cattle and camels and 500 goats and sheep per day.

He added that because of the security challenges that affected the demands for meat and other dairy products, the current operating capacity of the abattoir stood at 90 for cattle and 120 for goats and

sheep per day.
His words: 'this abattoir built by the Borno Emirate during the Northern Nigeria government in 1963, has become obsolete; and lacks modern facilities and other equipment that could handle the slaughtering of tens of hundreds of cattle, camels, goats and sheep that meets clinical national standards, before distributing and consumption of meat within and outside the state.

'After the abattoir renovation project was completed; by the firm, it will have 18 sections that handles 'slaughtering and certification' by Veterinary Doctors, including public conveniences, and supply of water and electricity within the premises of this abatoir.'

He further disclosed that the abattoir was to be completed in 12 weeks, urging that the contractor should abide with the terms of the contract.

Responding, the secretary of Al-Ansar Limited, Alhaji Modu Bulama assured the commissioner and the people of Borno that the completion deadline will not be extended by, as the construction firm will 'adhere strictly' to modern abattoir specifications to meet international standards.