FCTA pledges to set good standards in Livestock Management

By Hudu Yakubu Abuja

The Nigerian Federal Capital Territory administration, FCTA has reiterated it determination to improve facilities and services of the various Livestock markets to standards befitting the status of the FCT.

The Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mallam Abubakar Ibrahim said the commitment became necessary sequel the successful removal of illegal structures and businesses at the kugbo livestock market by the Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement Team of the Federal Capital Territory Administration,

Malam Abubakar explained that activities of illegal squatters and businesses at the Kugbo market has for long constituted incumbrances to efforts of the Secretariat to organise the market for conduct of Livestock business.

According to him, “You are very much aware that the Secretariat has for so long found it difficult to remove the illegal structures. We must thank the FCT task force headed by Mr. Ikharo Attah for the success recorded, stressing that the Secretariat will be able to add value to the operations in the market”.

He added that the Secretariat will immediately take possession of the land to ensure that the illegal operators do not return to the site.

” Going forward I have directed the Animal Husbandry Department to take full possession of the land while we also take census of the livestock dealers that are currently operating there “

The desire of the Secretariat Mallam Abubakar disclosed is to have a market that is all-inclusive with clearly delineated areas for different livestock value chain activities in line with global best practices.

“Our doors will be open to interested private companies to come in the areas of conversion of waste to energy, milk production and other value addition projects”.

The Secretary used the opportunity to appeal to dealers of livestock who might want to take advantage of the Eid festive period to make brisk business to avoid putting up illegal markets as the Task force has the mandate of the Administration to not only confiscate the animals on sale but prosecute defaulters.

” ignorance of the law is not an excuse. We have held series of meetings with officials of livestock dealers in FCT on the need to call thier members to order. We equally are appealing to residents to only patronise officially designated Livestock markets where we can guarantee the source of livestock to avoid buying stolen animals”.