Bauchi State Trains Abattoir and Waste Managers on Converting Livestock Waste to Wealth

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), a World Bank project, has organized a one-day intensive training session for abattoir workers, livestock waste managers, and waste regulators across Bauchi State.

Speaking at the event, the Bauchi State L-PRES Coordinator, Alhaji Musa Adamu One said, the goal is to transform livestock waste into valuable resources, boost productivity, and mitigate environmental hazards through innovative and sustainable practices.

Alhaji Adamu One, highlighted that the training aligns with L-PRES objectives to enhance livestock development and meat production in the state.

He said the participants would gain practical knowledge on producing organic fertilizer and blood meal using animal waste such as rumen content and blood from slaughterhouses.

Alhaji Adamu revealed that plans are underway to renovate existing abattoirs to ensure hygienic meat production and to upgrade livestock markets for improved animal health, increased productivity, and commercialization.

He further stated that waste management officers from all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State were selected for the training aims to empower them with techniques for composting manure, enabling them to generate income and improve their livelihoods.

The L-Pres State Coordinator said, the Animal by-products such as blood, rumen content, and bones are valuable in producing livestock feed and organic fertilizer, added that the initiative will ensure that waste is no longer a burden but a resource.

He also announced plans to establish 15 modern abattoirs and an animal health laboratory across the state, as well as international-standard livestock centers to promote modern marketing and business practices.

On his part, the Environmental Safeguard Officer of L-PRES in Bauchi, Mr. Habila Simon Danlami, emphasized the importance of sustaining best practices in waste management.

He noted that converting waste to wealth would not only boost local economies but also curb the transmission of zoonotic diseases and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Representing the Director-General of the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), Alhaji Umar Abubakar warned against improper disposal of abattoir waste.

He explained that waste left on the floor or burned could cause soil degradation, air pollution, and endanger public and animal health.

Another facilitator from BASEPA, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, conducted a practical demonstration on how to convert abattoir waste into valuable products, including the production of blood meal from cattle blood.

Dr. Salisu Ibrahim Waziri from Sa’adu Zungur University reminded participants of the state’s environmental laws and urged them to adhere strictly to waste management regulations.

Participants expressed gratitude to the L-PRES and the Bauchi State Government for the timely and impactful training, which they said will significantly enhance their businesses and improve public health and environmental safety in the state.