Lagos Shuts Popular Abattoir Over Unhygienic Meat Processing
The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege area of the state following reports of unsanitary practices, poor waste management, and unhygienic meat processing.
The closure was ordered on Thursday by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, following an extensive inspection tour of the place.
Wahab revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture had petitioned his office to intervene in light of ongoing environmental and public health violations at the abattoir.
Wahab disclosed that during the inspection, it was observed that waste from the slaughtering process was being channeled into public drains leading to the “Harmony” section of the abattoir and into another facility, Forth-Walt Farm, located on Wasiu Olaife Street.
He emphasized that the state government would no longer tolerate such environmental degradation.
According to him, abattoirs are bound by strict environmental laws, including the requirement that wastewater and blood from meat processing be treated properly before disposal, rather than being discharged into open drains.
“The State Government will take drastic and firm decisions to correct this attitude and make sure these operators abide by the law,” Wahab said.
“Until they fully comply with the provisions of the law, this will not be a one -off. We will come back; If nothing is done right now about the present state of the abattoir it is only a catastrophe waiting to happen.”
He further cautioned all abattoir operators across the state to adhere strictly to regulatory standards.
The enforcement at Oko-Oba will be a joint effort involving the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and the Lagos State Waste Water Management Office (LASWMO).
Wahab noted that many only respond to strict enforcement measures, but the government remains resolute.
During the tour, the Commissioner also visited Adetola Canal on Jonathan Coker Street in Iju, where iron reinforcements meant for the canal were reportedly vandalized.
He lamented the development, pointing out that the canal’s lining project had just been awarded to enhance drainage flow into the Oko-Oba canal.
“We have compelled the CDAs of this community to take ownership and protect the infrastructure because the Government cannot provide and also police the infrastructure.This situation tells you how bad the intentions of some persons are” Wahab said.
Lagos Shuts Popular Abattoir Over Unhygienic Meat Processing is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
