The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate reopening of the Oko-Oba Abattoir, days after it was shut down for gross violations of environmental and public health regulations.
EpeInsights reports that the decision to reopen the facility was announced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who confirmed that the operators have now substantially complied with the requirements guiding the operations of abattoirs across the state.
According to Wahab, the abattoir was originally closed on June 20, 2025, following an unscheduled inspection carried out by senior officials of the ministry.
The inspection revealed alarming sanitary conditions, with evidence of poor waste disposal, unhygienic handling of animal products, and a general lack of adherence to safety protocols.
The state government deemed these conditions unacceptable and ordered the facility shut in the interest of public health and environmental safety.
In the days following the closure, operators of the Oko-Oba Abattoir were mandated to carry out a comprehensive cleanup of the facility.
They were also required to put in place proper waste management systems and adopt sanitary practices in line with public health standards.
Only after these measures were verified by state officials did the government approve the resumption of operations.
Mr. Wahab noted that one of the conditions for the reopening is a commitment to sustained compliance.
To that end, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources will conduct monthly inspections at the abattoir to ensure that the facility does not fall short of the established minimum hygiene standards again.
He also warned that the government would not hesitate to take similar action against any other facility found operating below the required benchmarks.
The reopening of the abattoir is a relief for many residents of Lagos who depend on it as a major source of meat supply.
However, it also serves as a warning to other operators within the state.
The Commissioner urged all those involved in the meat processing and distribution chain to avoid practices that could endanger public health, emphasizing that the state will continue to strictly enforce its laws on environmental and food safety.
The Oko-Oba Abattoir incident highlights the importance of regulatory enforcement in protecting public health and maintaining sanitary conditions in critical sectors such as food processing.
With a renewed commitment to routine inspections and compliance monitoring, the Lagos State Government is sending a strong message that health and safety cannot be compromised.
