The Cross River State Government has directed slaughterhouse operators and butchers across the State to discontinue cash payments to unauthorised agents and third parties as part of measures to strengthen revenue administration, public health oversight and the upgrading of slaughter facilities.
The Commissioner for Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development, Hon. Francis Edet Ekpenyong, gave the directive on Tuesday when he received members of the Butchers Association on a courtesy visit to his office in Calabar.
Ekpenyong directed operators to pay all revenues directly into designated government accounts using approved revenue codes, warning that payments to individuals or unauthorised third parties would no longer be recognised.
“Those legacy arrangements from the former Ministry of Agriculture are no longer valid. All payments must go directly into government-designated accounts through the appropriate revenue codes,” the Commissioner said.
He explained that the new payment system would promote transparency, eliminate revenue leakages and ensure that government resources were available for the upgrading and modernisation of slaughter facilities across the State.
The Commissioner also called for closer collaboration between the ministry and butchers to improve sanitary conditions at slaughterhouses and ensure that facilities meet appropriate standards for safe meat production.
The Personal Assistant to the Governor on Livestock Licensing, Mallam Nasiru Gombe, said the State Government was working to streamline the livestock sector through proper licensing, registration and structured documentation.
Gombe said the planned central livestock database would provide a reliable record of legitimate operators while enabling registered members of the association to access government support, grants and development loans.
Representing the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Jude Undiandeye, Dr. Regina Tambe stressed the importance of veterinary inspection in protecting public health.
“All animals must undergo proper veterinary inspection and certification before slaughter to ensure that only safe meat gets to the public,” she said.
She added that the requirement applied to all slaughtering facilities, including those located within military establishments, noting that compliance was essential to guaranteeing safe meat for human consumption.
Responding, the Chairman of the Butchers Association, Mr. Peter Amon, commended the Commissioner for his open-door approach and expressed the association’s readiness to cooperate with the ministry.
“Our previous payment practices were based on the legacy structures we inherited from the former ministry. We are ready to work with the government and comply with the new system of direct payments,” Amon said.
Also speaking, Mr. Eyo Nsa commended the State Government for its attention to the welfare of livestock operators and pledged the association’s cooperation in maintaining hygiene at slaughtering slabs and supporting the forthcoming statewide registration and livestock database exercise.
The engagement is expected to strengthen government-industry collaboration while laying the foundation for improved revenue accountability, safer meat production and upgraded slaughter facilities across Cross River State.
By Arit Ubi
