The Gombe State Government has secured ₦60 billion from the Federal Government to commence the development of a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone in the state.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced this during a groundbreaking event held in Gombe over the weekend, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He described the initiative as a landmark project aimed at transforming Gombe’s agricultural and livestock economy through modern, sustainable practices. The zone is expected to catalyse job creation, enhance production efficiency, and position the state as a leading hub for animal processing in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Yahaya emphasized that the ₦60 billion represents the first tranche of a ₦120 billion commitment from President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he praised for prioritizing livestock development in national policy.
“Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has confirmed the receipt of ₦60 billion from the Federal Government for the establishment of a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone in the state.
“Yahaya disclosed this in Gombe on Saturday during a groundbreaking ceremony for the zone’s development.
“He said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had pledged ₦120 billion for the project, of which part has already been released,” the NAN report stated.
According to the governor, the zone will feature an automated abattoir, an international livestock market, fattening hubs, a tannery and leather plant, a grain and feed trading hub, and a dry port. All facilities will be developed under international standards for hygiene, efficiency, and export readiness.
“The Gombe Ultramodern Abattoir is set to transform meat processing in Gombe State, and indeed the entire Northern region of Nigeria,” Governor Yahaya said.
He added, “This automated facility will enable hygienic, efficient, and globally compliant processing, packaging, and distribution, serving both domestic and international markets.”
Yahaya also noted that the facility aims to replace the traditional, unsafe practice of transporting live animals over long distances. Instead, livestock will be processed closer to the source, adding value for farmers and processors while enhancing logistics and sanitary outcomes.
During the ceremony, Alhaji Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing the livestock sector. He stated that the Gombe project aligns with national efforts to improve local meat processing and reduce reliance on imports.
Maiha also provided operational details, revealing that the facility will have the capacity to process 500 cattle, 1,000 small ruminants, and 3,000 poultry birds daily upon full operational capacity.
The Gombe Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone represents a vital component of Nigeria’s broader strategy to unlock its livestock potential and strengthen the agricultural value chain, from farm to market, at both domestic and international levels.
