35-year-old Kano multi-billion naira abattoir reduced to rubble, equipment disappeared — Probe panel reveals

Chairman of the Kano Government Committee investigating the alleged vandalization and sale of the Nigerian Meat and Allied Products (NIMAP) abattoir, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, on Tuesday, said the panel has uncovered evidence of massive destruction at the Chalawa facility during its field visit.

SolaceBase recalls that last Wednesday, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf constituted an 11-member panel to probe the alleged sale of the multi-billion-naira NIMAP abattoir under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Speaking to journalists at the site, Muhuyi said the committee was mandated to unravel the circumstances that led to the disappearance of structures and equipment belonging to the abattoir, which had been in operation for more than 35 years.

“We have gone round and found only the remains of what used to be an executive project. This place was designed to process meat and blood for fish farming, with the aim of boosting hygiene and economic activities in Kano. Unfortunately, what we see today is monumental destruction of unimaginable magnitude.”

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According to him, some of the equipment, procured from outside the country and estimated to be worth over N20 billion, had either been vandalized or illegally sold.

He added that part of the land originally housing the abattoir had been balkanized, with portions allegedly sold through auction or allocated to individuals free of charge.

“Our investigation focuses on two key issues: who destroyed the structures and where the equipment has gone. We have already traced some of the buyers, and efforts are ongoing to recover what can be recovered,” Muhuyi explained.

He stressed that the abattoir was originally conceived to promote halal meat production for both local consumption and export, making Kano an attractive hub for investors, particularly from Arab countries.

Muhuyi assured that the committee would carry out its assignment “meticulously, without fear or favor,” and submit appropriate recommendations to the state government at the end of its work.

“What informed the government’s decision to set up this committee is the need to protect public assets that have great potential for economic growth and public health.

While some states are still struggling to establish such facilities, Kano had one for decades, only for it to be destroyed by vested interests,” he stated.

The committee’s report is expected to shed light on those responsible for the destruction as well as provide guidance to the government on possible recovery and future protection of state-owned assets.