Money flows in. Infrastructure doesn't follow.
Karu Abattoir generates between N30 million and N40 million annually, yet remains dangerously underdeveloped.
Thousands of cattle arrive daily from northern Nigeria. A single animal can fetch as much as N3 million depending on its size and quality.
The government collects N3,300 per cow processed at the facility. This comprises N300 as gate entry and N3,000 for inspection and slaughter services.
Yet traders say the abattoir's condition is appalling. Awal Musa Zaranda, secretary of the Association of Cattle Traders at the facility, told reporters about the nightmare.
During rains, the lairage becomes impassable. Animals are kept in this section before inspection, but poor drainage transforms it into a swamp.
Workers and traders must wade through contaminated water and mud to reach the slaughter area. The distance is less than two kilometers, but the journey grows treacherous when it rains.
Cattle sometimes fall into deep mud and suffocate. Their nostrils become buried in sludge before rescue workers arrive.
According to Zaranda, poor conditions increase labour costs significantly. Animals arrive stressed and weakened, affecting meat quality.
Hundreds of cows are slaughtered daily. During festivals, the numbers spike dramatically.
Dr Abubakar Iliyasu oversees public health at abattoirs in Abuja. He explained the slaughter process involves multiple safety stages.
Animals rest first, then undergo ante-mortem inspection. Workers monitor any beast suspected of infection closely during processing.
Infected organs are removed and condemned. In severe cases, entire carcasses are destroyed to protect consumers.
But hygiene remains a critical problem. Animals are still slaughtered on bare floors without modern equipment.
Management claims basic facilities exist. Reality tells a different story on the ground.
One dangerous practice stands out. Labourers burn scrap tyres to roast animal skin.
Medical experts warn this is hazardous. Burning tyres releases toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the air.
Lead, zinc, and carcinogenic compounds scatter everywhere. These substances accumulate in the human body over time.
Cancer risk increases with exposure. Organ damage becomes increasingly likely.
Veterinary services operate at the abattoir. But the environment itself undermines animal health and safety.
Despite annual revenues topping N40 million, upgrades haven't materialized. Traders and residents continue suffering the consequences daily.
