The Lagos State Government has ordered the indefinite closure of the Oko-Oba abattoir in Agege due to serious unhygienic practices and improper waste disposal.
The decision was announced on Thursday by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, following an inspection of the facility. The Ministry of Agriculture had sent a petition requesting intervention over environmental and health violations at the abattoir.
Wahab described the situation at the abattoir as “heart-wrenching,” revealing that operators were illegally discharging animal waste into public drainage systems. This includes waste flowing into the “Harmony” section of the abattoir and a nearby farm on Wasiu Olaife Street.
“The state government will not tolerate environmental degradation or uncleanliness. There are clear laws guiding abattoir operations, and waste must be properly treated, not dumped into drains,” Wahab warned.
The government has vowed to maintain strict enforcement, saying the closure will continue until the operators fully comply with environmental regulations. Wahab also stressed that this was not a one-time action, and further crackdowns will follow if standards are not met.
The closure is part of a joint enforcement operation involving the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, LASEPA, LASWMO, and LAWMA. Wahab noted the unfortunate need for tough action, as previous warnings were ignored.
During the inspection, Wahab also visited the Adetola Canal in Iju, where vandals damaged protective iron rods. He urged community leaders to protect government infrastructure, saying the government cannot police all facilities alone.
Residents were also urged to support licensed waste collectors and avoid illegal disposal methods. The state government has been prosecuting offenders in recent weeks and pledged to continue these efforts.
The shutdown of Oko-Oba abattoir highlights Lagos State’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment amid ongoing sanitation challenges.