Agric secretariat synergises with area councils to improve hygiene in abattoirs

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in effort to ensure the availability of wholesome meat for the populace, has synergized with area councils to improve hygiene at abattoirs.

The Acting Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mr. Ibe Prospect Chukwuemeka, recently led a team of officials from the Veterinary Services Department to strategize with area council authorities towards enhancing the services and improving hygiene in animal slaughter facilities across the FCT.

Mr. Ibe who was represented on the visit by the Director, Veterinary Services in the Secretariat, Dr. Regina Adulugba, told the area council officials that the visit followed concern raised by the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, on the deplorable state of facilities and services at various slaughter slabs across the FCT with further directive for the secretariat to take immediate measures to address the situation.

She told the chairmen that the FCT Administration envisions a proper and modern abattoir and meat haulage system befitting the status of the territory, reminding them of the provisions in relevant statutes which place direct operations of slaughter slabs under the purview of area councils with the Agric. Secretariat providing monitoring and supervisory responsibilities.

She stressed the need for the area council authorities to take the matter seriously as new findings have indicated the likelihood of human to animal transmission of the COVID-19.

“As you are aware, the whole world is grappling with the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and we cannot afford to further expose our people to risks of transmission. We have to start making changes to ensure that we upgrade our facilities with focus on enforcement of hygienic practices,” she stressed.

She also disclosed that the secretariat has engaged a meat haulage company to ensure hygienic transportation of meat from slaughter facilities to market points.

Dr. Adulugba also cautioned the councils on the health risks associated with the use of tyre to roast slaughtered animals, and urged them to encourage butchers to instead make use of gas blowers.

The chairmen welcomed the initiative by the FCT Administration and assured the delegation that the area councils would do everything within their means to adhere to standard practices in abattoirs.