FCTA Condemns Surge Of Unregulated Slaughter Slabs In FCT
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to take decisive action against the proliferation of illegal abattoirs in the FCT as part of efforts to ensure the adherence to established standards in meat handling and the well-being of consumers in the Territory.
FCT Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Kolo Geidam, made this announcement when he received the officials of FCT Butchers Association that paid him a courtesy visit.
He conveyed the Administration’s deep concern over the prevalence of unauthorized abattoirs and warned of serious consequences.
Geidam directed the Veterinary Services Department to embark on effective monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance to operational standards.
The Secretary reiterated that if this situation is left unchecked, it will pose a significant threat to the safety of meat consumed by the public.
His words: “our objective is in line with the statutory mandate of the Secretariat which is to ensure that abattoirs in the FCT not only duly registered and certified but that they are all up to standard for the good of public health.”
Geidam assured the Butchers of the FCTA’s commitment to addressing the various challenges identified during his recent tour of abattoirs in the FCT.
He said, “We will not ignore the significant issues facing our abattoirs, including the need for potable water and regular waste disposal and I assure you that present leadership of the FCT Administration, under Barrister Nyesom Wike and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, will continue to maintain standads comparable to those found anywhere in t.he world.”
He informed the Butchers that the Secretariat will intensify its daily meat inspection activities at the various abattoirs to ensure that no animal is slaughtered without being certified safe by the Veterinary Doctors.
The Secretary, therefore, appealed for their understanding and full cooperation to enable Veterinary Doctors carry out their duty effectively.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Chairman of the FCT Butchers Association, Alhaji, Bashir Musa, expressed the Association’s full commitment to complying with the guidelines set forth by the Administration.
