Mega abattoir project to boost Nigeria’s meat processing capacity
Nigeria’s livestock industry is set for a significant transformation as the ABIS Group expands its processing capacity with a $30 million state-of-the-art livestock processing facility in Idu, Federal Capital Territory. The project, which is expected to enhance the country’s meat processing capability, aligns with Nigeria’s food security and job creation objectives.
The new facility will complement ABIS Group’s existing Lagos plant, which processes 200 cattle, 15,000 poultry birds, and 100 tons of fish daily. Upon completion, the Idu plant will process 1,000 cattle, 400–600 tons of poultry, 2,000 goats and rams, 1,000 tons of fish, and 10–15 tons of sausages daily, making it one of Nigeria’s largest meat processing hubs.
Beyond increasing Nigeria’s meat processing capacity, the project will generate 1,000 direct jobs and over 20,000 indirect jobs across the livestock value chain. The initiative underscores the growing private sector interest in livestock development, particularly in value addition, employment generation, and supply chain optimization.
During an inspection visit to the site, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasized the facility’s role in addressing Nigeria’s shortage of skilled personnel in livestock management. He commended ABIS Group’s plan to establish a Livestock Academy, which is expected to equip Nigerians with technical expertise in livestock production, management, and processing.
To further strengthen the livestock industry, the ABIS Group’s founder, Ambassador Emmanuel Nelson Usman, called for government intervention in facilitating faster clearance of imported equipment and supporting the academy’s development as a center of excellence for capacity building.
With Nigeria’s rising demand for animal protein and the increasing importance of structured livestock value chains, the ABIS Group’s investment represents a critical step toward modernizing the sector, ensuring food security, and enhancing economic diversification.
Source-Daily Trust
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Below are key insights and recommendations for stakeholders to consider regarding the ABIS Group’s livestock processing facility and its potential impact on Nigeria’s agri-food sector:
- Scaling Up Meat Processing in Nigeria: The increase in meat processing capacity through this facility will enhance Nigeria’s ability to meet local demand for beef, poultry, and fish. However, the industry must ensure that supply chains—from livestock farming to processing—are efficiently managed to avoid bottlenecks.
- Livestock Training and Capacity Building: The Livestock Academy proposed by ABIS Group is a strategic move to address the skills gap in animal husbandry and meat processing. For sustainable impact, it should incorporate modern livestock management practices, digital tracking systems, and best-in-class processing techniques.
- Job Creation and Value Chain Enhancement: The projected 21,000 jobs (direct and indirect) align with Nigeria’s drive for employment opportunities in agribusiness. However, government-private partnerships should ensure that rural smallholder livestock farmers are integrated into the supply chain to maximize economic benefits.
- Challenges and Policy Support Needed: The call for government intervention in expediting equipment clearance at ports highlights a long-standing bottleneck in agribusiness operations. Streamlining these processes will reduce delays, cut costs, and encourage more private-sector investments in livestock infrastructure. The Ministry of Livestock Development should also provide policy support for standardizing livestock feed quality, animal health, and processing technology adoption to ensure food safety and competitiveness in the global meat market.
- Sustainability Considerations: The ABIS Group must adopt sustainable practices in waste management, water usage, and energy efficiency in processing activities. Leveraging renewable energy sources and animal byproduct utilization will improve long-term operational efficiency.
Conclusion
The ABIS Group’s expansion marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s livestock and meat processing industry, addressing food security, employment, and sectoral modernization. With the right policy backing and strategic execution, the facility can serve as a blueprint for livestock industrialization in Nigeria and West Africa.
