Lagos Revamps Red Meat Industry With Feedlot, Academy, Modern Meat Shops

News in brief:
– The Lagos State Government has introduced the Lagos Red Meat Initiative, featuring a 750-hectare feedlot, a Butchers’ Academy, and modern meat shops, to revitalise the state’s red meat industry.
– It targets several challenges in the sector challenges, like production quality and information gaps, and will help stakeholders to tap into financial opportunities.

In a bid to revamp its red meat industry and unlock its economic potential, the Lagos State Government has unveiled a multi-pronged initiative encompassing a 750-hectare feedlot, a dedicated Butchers’ Academy, and a chain of modern meat shops.

The plan, dubbed the Lagos Red Meat Initiative, aims to address key challenges in the sector, attract young talent, and elevate the quality of red meat production in the state.

The announcement was made by Abisola Olusanya, the Lagos Commissioner for Agriculture, at the Lagos Food Systems Stakeholders’ Breakfast Meeting. Highlighting the immense demand for red meat in Lagos, she cited its position as the largest consumer in Nigeria and West Africa, generating significant financial opportunities. She compared Lagos’ potential to agricultural powerhouses like South Africa and Brazil, emphasising the untapped potential in the local red meat market.

Meantime, the centerpiece of the initiative is the construction of a massive 750-hectare feedlot facility in Igbodu, Epe. This aims to tackle the issues associated with open grazing and offer a controlled environment for raising livestock. This approach aligns with successful models adopted in countries like Israel and the Netherlands, demonstrating the feasibility of thriving agriculture even in challenging terrains.

Furthermore, the Lagos government plans to establish a Butchers’ Academy. This institution will bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern techniques, attracting young talents to the sector. By partnering with existing mechanised abattoirs, the academy will provide hands-on training and equip aspiring butchers with the necessary skills for success.

Additionally, the Lagos government plans to launch the ‘Last Mile Meat Shop’ initiative. These modern, hygienic shops will showcase proper meat display, preservation techniques, and hygienic sales practices. The goal is to move away from traditional, unsanitary meat markets and introduce transparent kilo-based pricing, similar to international standards.