Lagos Government Shuts Down Oko-Oba Abattoir

The Lagos State Government has shut down Oko-Oba Abattoir due to the disregard for the facility by those who work there.

The news was revealed by Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the state’s commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, during a live interview he granted. He mentioned that the Oko-Oba Abattoir will not be reopened until those who work there adhere strictly to sanitation and hygiene guidelines.

Part of the reason the facility was closed is because of the operators’ unhygienic meat handling, poor waste management, environmental degradation, and the discharge of waste and animal blood into public drains.

The commissioner also revealed that only 10% of available modern slaughter equipment was being used, with operators instead relying on old methods in their daily activities. Those living close to the abattoir have not stopped complaining about the pollution emanating from the facility.

Concerns were also raised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security after inspections were conducted, including reports of people sleeping in animal pens. Since the facility was closed, there have been reports of illegal roadside slaughtering, which has led to enforcement action.