By Abdullahi Muhammad
In a bid to ensure wholesome meat consumption in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Agriculture & Rural Development Secretariat has inaugurated a committee on meat haulage for Abuja residents.
Secretary of Agriculture & Rural Development Secretariat, Mr. Nzekwe Stanley Ifeanyichukwu, stated that the move was aimed at not only ensuring public health safety of residents but to set standards in meat haulage system in the FCT in line with global acceptable standards.
Nzekwe, who inaugurated the members of the committee last week in his office, described as embarrassing and unacceptable the situation where butchers transport meat on motorbikes
and open, rickety vehicles in the FCT thereby exposing the meat to contamination.
“Abuja, as you know, is the pride of every Nigerian and so it is only imperative that whatever we are doing conforms to global acceptable standards. Besides you will agree with me that the
situation as it is now exposes residents whom we have sworn to protect to health hazards,” he said.
He disclosed that the mode of meat haulage in Abuja will be through dedicated meat vans and special purpose-made tricycles with meat haulage compartment.
Speaking earlier, Head of the Veterinary Services Division of the Secretariat, Dr. Mrs Regina Adulugba, informed the Secretary of the previous attempt in past to address the situation stressing the need for the Administration to ensure that it address the issue of enforcement.
She said the constitution of the committee which consists of all the relevant stakeholders, especially the butchers association of the FCT, will help the administration in putting in place an efficient and wholesome meat haulage system in Abuja.