The Lagos State Government has shut down the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege over what it described as grossly unsanitary practices and reckless waste disposal.
EpeInsights reports that this is a decisive move to uphold environmental and public health standards.
The closure was announced on Thursday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during a media inspection tour of the abattoir.
The visit followed a formal petition from the Ministry of Agriculture citing repeated environmental and health infractions at the facility.
“What we saw here today is heart-wrenching,” Wahab stated.
“Operators have continuously flouted environmental laws, slaughtering animals and indiscriminately discharging untreated waste into public drains. This level of impunity is unacceptable.”
During the visit, the inspection team observed animal waste being funneled into drainage channels, particularly in the “Harmony” section of the abattoir, and further discharged into Forth-Walt Farm on Wasiu Olaife Street.
Wahab reiterated that abattoir operations in Lagos are subject to strict environmental regulations, including the proper treatment of wastewater and blood from meat processing.
He warned that the government would not tolerate any actions that endanger public health or degrade the environment.
“This shutdown is a clear message. Operators must comply with state benchmarks. You cannot run operations outside the law and expect leniency,” he said.
The enforcement action will be a joint operation involving key state agencies, including the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, LASEPA, LASWMO, and LAWMA.
The Commissioner also extended the inspection to Adetola Canal by Jonathan Coker Street in Iju, where iron rods reinforcing the canal had been vandalized.
He revealed that the canal lining project had recently been awarded to ensure efficient water discharge into the Oko-Oba canal.
Calling for stronger community ownership, Wahab said: “We’ve urged the CDAs to take responsibility and protect this infrastructure. Government can’t build and police everything, it requires shared responsibility.”
He also urged residents to patronize PSP operators and stop using illegal waste disposal methods such as cart pushers, warning that offenders would continue to face legal consequences.
Wahab was accompanied by key officials, including the Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; MD of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; KAI Corps Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd); GM of LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, and other senior directors.
Locations visited are; Oko-Oba Abattoir, Agege and Adetola Canal, Jonathan Coker Street, Fagba, Iju (Ifako Ijaiye LG)
