C’River targets higher livestock production, modern abattoirs to improve meat supply
By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
Calabar, Oct. 8, 2026 (NAN)The Cross River Government says it is increasing investment in livestock production, processing, and meat infrastructure to boost the supply of animal protein and create conditions for more competitive prices.
Mr Liyel Imoukhuede, Special Adviser to Gov. Bassey Otu on Livestock Development, who disclosed this in an interview in Calabar on Thursday, said reducing the cost of meat and other animal products required increased productivity and lower production costs across the livestock value chain.
He said the government’s strategy covered improved breeds, animal nutrition, pasture development, disease control, efficient production systems, processing infrastructure, and stronger market linkages.
“We need more productive animals, better feed, improved animal health, lower mortality, better genetics, efficient production systems, processing infrastructure, and stronger market linkages,” he said.
According to him, the state is also focusing on commercial feed production, dairy, poultry, beef, piggery, small ruminants, aquaculture, and livestock processing.
The governor aide said development of modern abattoirs and meat infrastructure was another important component of the strategy.
He said the state’s 2026 budget included provisions for modern abattoirs, meat inspection equipment, and livestock infrastructure.
He said better organisation of production, processing, transportation, and marketing would help reduce inefficiencies in the animal-protein supply chain.
He said the government’s objective was to improve supply while creating opportunities for farmers and other businesses operating across the livestock value chain.
“Ultimately, the goal is to move from an expensive, inefficient supply chain to one where production, processing, transportation, and marketing are better organised,” he said.
