The Borno State Government has commenced strategic discussions with the Dar Al Halal Business Group to conduct feasibility studies, aligning the sector with both national and international standards.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Wednesday, Umar Usman Kadafur, Borno State Deputy Governor and Supervising Commissioner for the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, emphasised the importance of stakeholder collaboration.

“We are confident that with this collaboration, we will harness the vast livestock potential in Borno State, which serves as one of Nigeria’s largest cattle trade routes,” Kadafur stated.

Kadafur revealed that the Borno State Livestock Management Agency (BOLMA), a South African representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the Borno Investment Company would participate in the consultations. 

He raised concerns over unhygienic meat processing practices and disclosed that the Ministry is already developing modern butchery models to enforce hygiene standards in abattoirs and meat outlets.

Highlighting Borno’s strategic location bordering three countries, Kadafur urged both local and international investors to seize opportunities as peace gradually returns to the state.

On his part, Alhaji Abdulmutallib Dikko, Executive Director of Dar Al Halal Business Group, noted Nigeria’s limited role in the global halal market.

“Nigeria, despite being a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), contributes only 0.001% to the global halal export market, estimated at over $7 trillion”. 

“We are advocating for a Halal Ecosystem in Nigeria to transform the livestock industry in line with global economic trends and the Federal Government’s diversification agenda,” Dikko stated.

He stressed the need for value addition in the northern region, particularly Borno, which plays a central role in the livestock trade.

“It is time to change the narrative. We must stop exporting raw materials and instead develop local processing capacity to serve both domestic and international markets, especially the GCC countries, where halal certification is essential,” he added.

Earlier, Mohammed Dili, Chairman of BOLMA, explained that the Dar Al Halal team was in Borno on the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to tour livestock facilities and conduct feasibility studies.

The delegation, FAO representatives, and Borno officials visited the Gamboru Cattle Market. Alhaji Yakubu Goni, Chairman of the Cattle Market Association, noted that some fattening farms house over 1,000 cows.

He estimated that Borno supplies over 85% of cattle consumed in Nigeria, but lamented the absence of modern facilities and adequate government support.

The team also inspected the NITEL Shoe Company, where Factory Manager Patrick Ney showcased the production of shoes, bags, and leather goods.

Source: BusinessDay