The Lagos State government thursday sealed the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege due to severe environmental and health violations. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, ordered the shutdown after a thorough inspection revealed unsanitary practices and improper waste management.
The inspection uncovered that operators were not following regulations, slaughtering animals and discharging waste into public drainage systems. This behavior is unacceptable and poses a serious risk to public health and the environment.
Mr. Wahab expressed his disappointment, stating that the abattoir’s operations were in clear violation of environmental laws. “The operators have ignored the rules, causing significant harm to the environment and public health,” he said.
During the inspection, it was discovered that animal waste was being dumped into public drainage systems and even into a nearby company, Forth-Walt Farm, on Wasiu Olaife Street. This practice is not only illegal but also poses a significant health risk.
Mr. Wahab emphasized that the government will not tolerate such violations. “There are clear laws governing abattoir operations in the state. Wastewater and blood from meat processing must be treated and not discharged into public drains,” he said.
The government plans to take strict measures to ensure compliance. The abattoir must meet all legal requirements before it can reopen. “Until they fully comply with the law, we will continue to monitor the situation. If no action is taken, the consequences could be disastrous,” Mr. Wahab warned.
He also urged abattoir operators to comply with regulations and avoid any illegal tactics. “We are committed to maintaining high standards of environmental and public health,” he said.
The enforcement operation at the abattoir will involve multiple agencies, including the Environment Ministry, Agriculture, LASEPA, LASWMO, and LAWMA. Mr. Wahab stressed that the government will remain firm in its stance.
In addition to the abattoir, Mr. Wahab visited Adetola Canal on Jonathan Coker Street in Iju, where some individuals had been vandalizing the canal’s reinforcement rods. He highlighted the importance of community involvement in protecting infrastructure.
“We have urged community leaders to take responsibility for the infrastructure. The government cannot provide and also police everything. This situation shows the negative intentions of some individuals,” he said.
He advised residents to use authorized waste management services and avoid illegal waste disposal methods. The government will continue to prosecute those who violate waste disposal laws.
The areas visited included Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege and Adetola Canal on Jonathan Coker Street, Fagba, Iju, in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Council.
Accompanying Mr. Wahab were the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Mahamood Adegbite; the MD of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; KAI Corps Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Cole (rtd); GM of Lagos State Waste Water Management Office (LSWMO), Adefemi Afolabi; and other directors from the ministry and its agencies.
