The Lagos State Government has reopened the popular Oko-Oba Abattoir in the Agege area after weeks of closure due to unsanitary conditions.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, announced the reopening on Saturday, stating that the abattoir’s operators had complied with the sanitation directives issued by the state.
The facility was shut down on June 19 following reports of poor hygiene, improper waste disposal, and unsafe meat processing practices.
The closure came after an inspection by government officials.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Wahab confirmed that the operators had met the minimum benchmarks required for abattoir operations in the state.
“The Lagos State Government has directed the immediate re-opening of the Abattoir at Oko-Oba following the fulfillment of sanitation and hygienic prescriptions by the operators.
“The operators have substantially complied with the minimum benchmark for the operations of abattoirs in the state which was flagrantly flouted initially, necessitating the closure,” Wahab said.
Wahab added that the reopening is conditional. Officials from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources will carry out monthly inspections to ensure continued compliance.
He also warned the operators against returning to past practices, emphasizing the need for proper waste management and hygienic handling of animal products.
“Part of the conditions for the reopening is that on a monthly basis, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources officials will conduct a periodic inspection of the facilities at the Abattoir.
“We therefore urge the operators to avoid unsanitary activities, waste mismanagement and unhygienic handling of animal products as they conduct their businesses,” he said.