TheLagos State Government has declared that the Oko-Oba Abattoir will remain closed indefinitely until its operators demonstrate full compliance with environmental regulations and public health standards.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, annunced this on Sunday, stating that the State would not compromise public safety due to the continued defiance of the abattoir operators.
The abattoir was shut down last Thursday following reports of unsanitary practices, poor waste disposal, and unhygienic meat handling. Wahab described the situation during a recent inspection as “heart-wrenching” and a direct threat to the health of residents in surrounding communities.
“We had to make tough, but necessary decisions,” Wahab said, adding:
“We had engaged with the operators several times, urging them to adhere to environmental laws, but their continued disregard left us with no option.”
Residents had long complained about environmental degradation caused by the abattoir, including waste from slaughtered animals being discharged into public drains, which damaged infrastructure and properties.
Wahab also condemned the inhumane treatment of animals and misuse of the facility, noting that livestock pens were being used as living spaces for people.
“The stench is unbearable, and many residents have fled the area,” he added.
The Commissioner dismissed claims that the closure was motivated by religious bias, describing such accusations as blackmail. “Lagos is a lawful society. Compliance with regulations is not optional,” he asserted.
Wahab expressed disappointment over the underutilisation of modern slaughtering facilities provided by the state, revealing that only 10 percent of the mechanised systems were being used.
He accused the operators of reverting to outdated and harmful practices, despite exposure to better alternatives during a government-sponsored overseas training.
Following the closure, some operators attempted to resume illegal slaughtering at an abandoned gas station and roadside spots. Wahab confirmed that enforcement teams had been deployed to shut down those makeshift operations and prevent further violations.
He also disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture had petitioned his office over the deteriorating state of the abattoir, prompting Thursday’s intervention.
While some members of the public expressed concerns about rising meat prices, Wahab stressed that public health must take precedence. “What comes first, the chicken or the egg? This is about safety,” he said.
He added that the government had met with the abattoir’s concessionaire, Harmony, and the operators’ leader, Galadima, to reiterate the need to properly treat animal waste through an effluent plant, rather than discharging it into public drains.
Beyond the abattoir issue, Wahab also addressed broader environmental challenges confronting Lagos State. He warned against building on drainage channels and wetlands, saying that over 1,100 illegal structures had been demolished to restore proper flow and mitigate flooding.
“Climate change is real. Lagos is a coastal state dealing with sea level rise, heavy rainfall, and extreme heat. That’s why initiatives like tree planting by LASPARK, with over 20,000 trees planted this year, are crucial,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to be patient, noting that drainage infrastructure takes time to complete. “In the last two years, we have cleared over 666,000 meters of primary drainage channels and 397 secondary collectors. These things take time, but we are on course.”