Tinubu Backs Gombe’s Livestock Revolution With Initial N60B Investment

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disbursed N60 billion to Gombe State as part of its commitment to the establishment of a landmark 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has confirmed.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Gombe on Saturday, Governor Yahaya disclosed that the Federal Government had pledged a total of N120 billion for the transformative initiative and has already released half of the funds.

“This initiative is aimed at building a prosperous and sustainable future for livestock development in Gombe State and across Northern Nigeria,” Yahaya said, describing the project as a major step towards industrialising the livestock sector and unlocking its economic potential.

According to the governor, the Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone will host an ultramodern abattoir, an international livestock market, fattening hubs, a tannery and leather factory, a world-class grains and livestock feeds market, and an inland dry port.

“Each facility is designed with cutting-edge infrastructure to enable safe, efficient, and large-scale processing and commerce. The Gombe Ultramodern Abattoir, in particular, will transform meat processing in Gombe State and the entire Northern region,” he stated.

Governor Yahaya noted that the automated abattoir would allow for hygienic and globally compliant meat processing, packaging, and distribution to serve both domestic and international markets. He emphasized that the new system would end the outdated and unsafe practice of transporting live animals over long distances, improving animal welfare and reducing logistical costs.

The governor added that the project is expected to boost job creation, enhance productivity, encourage import substitution, and increase foreign earnings across all segments of the livestock value chain.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the livestock industry in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He revealed that once completed, the facility would process up to 500 bulls, 1,000 small ruminants, and 3,000 poultry birds daily.

He commended Governor Yahaya for his vision and leadership in driving livestock development, stating that the industrial zone is a model for the future of animal production and processing in Nigeria.

In a strong show of political support, Governor Yahaya declared his full backing for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing the administration’s transformative efforts in the livestock and agricultural sectors.

“I assure the President that for what he has done, is doing, and will do, Gombe people will follow him to the battlefield blindfolded. We will work for his success in 2027. By God’s grace, his re-election is assured,” Yahaya stated.

He also commended Tinubu for investing in a sector predominantly associated with the Northern region, noting that no Northern leader in over four decades had invested such resources into livestock development.

Yahaya concluded with optimism about the future, assuring Nigerians that despite temporary hardships from ongoing reforms, better days lie ahead under Tinubu’s leadership.