Boosting Meat Safety: L-PRESS Trains Butchers and Processors in Borno

By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde, Maiduguri

Maiduguri, Nigeria — The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRESS) has launched an initiative to raise meat safety standards in Borno State, bringing together 100 butchers, meat sellers, and processors for a two-day training on hygiene and food safety.

The workshop, held at the Farmers Field School Dairy Plant in Maiduguri, focused on improving practices across 19 local government areas.

Dr. Makinta Alhaji Ali, the state coordinator of L-PRESS, said the training is designed to curb microbial contamination and ensure safer meat for consumers. “Good hygiene practices are key — from proper cleaning and sanitation to safe disinfection of facilities and equipment,” he noted.

Animal health experts reinforced that message. Dr. Ibrahim Kawu Sesiriya stressed that proper storage and handling of meat are essential to preventing foodborne diseases, while Associate Professor G. S. Adam highlighted internationally recognized safety frameworks such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems.

Adam also underscored simple but effective measures: “Regular hand washing, proper equipment cleaning, temperature control, and safe waste disposal are not optional — they are mandatory for protecting public health,” he said, adding that modernizing slaughterhouse facilities remains a pressing need.

Dr. Mohammed Umara Lawan, another animal health officer, called for continuous training for butchers and tighter regulation to enforce hygiene standards.

The event closed with an interactive Q&A session, followed by group photographs with participants and dignitaries.