FG Targets $3.4bn Red Meat Export Market, Plans 500-Cattle Daily Abattoir

• The Federal Government has identified a $3.4 billion red meat export market as a major opportunity for Nigeria’s livestock sector, with Cross River being positioned as a potential export hub.

• The government plans to establish an abattoir ecosystem capable of processing about 500 cattle daily, with an estimated 10,000 direct and indirect jobs expected across the value chain.

• The first of 12 planned livestock control posts has been established at Mfum, Ikom, to strengthen animal health certification and support safer cross-border livestock trade.

August 07, () — The Federal Government is positioning Nigeria’s livestock industry for greater participation in the international meat market, with Cross River State identified as a strategic hub for red meat exports to Gulf markets and other destinations.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maha, disclosed this during a visit to Cross River ahead of the commissioning of the Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility at Mfum in Ikom Local Government Area.

Cross River Positioned As Export Gateway

Maha said Cross River was strategically positioned to serve the South-South region and international markets because of its coastal location, proximity to Gulf markets and improving transport infrastructure.

He said Nigeria’s red meat export market was valued at about $3.4 billion, adding that developing the livestock value chain could create jobs and increase non-oil export earnings.

“We believe Cross River can dominate the red meat industry in the South-South. With Calabar’s access to the coast, we are only a few hours away from Gulf markets,” he said.

Government Plans 500-Cattle Daily Abattoir

The minister said the government plans to establish a modern abattoir ecosystem in Cross River capable of processing about 500 cattle daily.

The project is expected to generate about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across meat processing, transportation, cold-chain logistics, feed production and other related activities.

Maha also urged investors to explore commercial fodder production, including Napier grass, alfalfa and ryegrass, citing demand for quality animal feed in Gulf countries.

First Of 12 Livestock Control Posts

The Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility at Mfum is the first of 12 facilities planned along Nigeria’s international borders.

According to Maha, the facility will strengthen livestock health certification, improve monitoring of animals entering the country and reduce the risk of diseased livestock crossing the borders.

The government also expects the facility to improve confidence in Nigerian livestock products and support more organised cross-border trade.

Poultry And Obudu Projects

Maha announced plans to facilitate the importation of about 60 million hatchable eggs as a short-term intervention to address supply constraints in the poultry sector.

He said the government would also license more operators to improve access to hatchable eggs for farmers.

The minister added that the proposed Obudu livestock facility would include cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and a dairy centre, with plans for collaboration with a university.

Airport To Support Livestock Exports

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to partner the Federal Government on livestock development.

Odey said the Obudu Cargo Airport, which is about 85 per cent completed, could support livestock exports and strengthen the state’s position as an agricultural and trade hub.

The Federal Government also plans to inspect the Obudu Ranch and other livestock assets to identify investment opportunities.

The developments form part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to diversify export earnings beyond oil by building a livestock value chain around production, processing, certification and international trade.