A former member of the House of Representatives for Obudu Federal Constituency, Dr. Emmanuel Utande, has urged the government to establish an abattoir in Obudu, Cross River State.
According to him, the facility could help to quell the frequent and often deadly clashes between farmers and herders in the region, including neighboring states such as Benue and surrounding states.
He argued that a centralized slaughterhouse would help regulate cattle movement and reduce tensions over grazing and farmland.
He stated that with a cargo airport in Obudu, which is a distance away from those places, cattle will be easily ferried, and products from the abattoir will be distributed nationally and internationally with ease.
Speaking with journalists yesterday, the octogenarian emphasized that the abattoir, which will serve as a stopping point for every cattle, will effectively put an end to regular clashes.
Apart from that, as a purely business outfit, it will generate employment, make profit, and expand development in the catchment area.
Recalling that as a lawmaker, he led the National Assembly Joint Committee on Commonwealth Parliamentary Association delegation to a conference in Botswana and the Bahamas in 1980, Dr. Utande said Botswana has the second largest abattoir in the world and is home to one of the largest livestock populations in the world.
He recommended that Nigeria can adapt such innovation as a way of not only boosting the national economy but also curtailing the destruction of farmlands that often ignite deadly clashes.
The Second Republic Parliamentarian also encouraged farmers to grow soya beans, which is used in fattening cattle for the abattoir when established.
He disclosed that there are other by-products such as cheese and milk, which are highly in demand globally, and which can additionally bring in incomes.
He recommended that the Federal and Cross River State Governments can come into partnership with other reputable international firms to realize the abattoir project, which is economically viable.
