The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege following alarming discoveries of environmental degradation and unregulated activities that posed serious public health risks. This decisive action comes after an inspection led by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who expressed outrage over the appalling conditions observed at the facility.
Speaking during the inspection tour on Thursday, Wahab described the situation at the abattoir as catastrophic, noting widespread violations that not only breach environmental standards but also defy government regulations put in place to safeguard public health and urban hygiene.
Discovery of Health Hazards and Regulatory Defiance
The commissioner explained that the closure was prompted by petitions submitted by concerned individuals and a follow-up complaint issued by the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Both raised red flags about the unsanitary practices, unchecked waste disposal, and chaotic operations that have plagued the slaughterhouse for months.
According to Wahab, what the inspection team witnessed was far worse than anticipated. He revealed that facilities originally intended for livestock were being illegally converted into makeshift shelters for humans. In addition to this unauthorized occupation, the abattoir operators were found to be recklessly dumping animal waste into public drainage systems, a practice with potentially grave consequences for surrounding communities.
“We received disturbing petitions detailing the level of degradation at the Oko-Oba Abattoir. After arriving on-site, it became clear that urgent intervention was non-negotiable,” Wahab said.
“People now live in tents built specifically for animals, and waste from slaughtered animals is discharged directly into public waterways. This flagrant disregard for regulations and public health is simply unacceptable.”
Immediate Closure and Enforcement Measures
Following the inspection, the ministry resolved to seal off the abattoir indefinitely. Wahab emphasized that this enforcement was not just a symbolic gesture but a signal of the government’s determination to restore order and accountability to the facility.
He assured the public that authorities will not tolerate continued defiance by facility operators and warned that only a complete overhaul and compliance with sanitation standards would allow for the reopening of the site.
“Closure is just the first step,” he declared. “We are initiating immediate enforcement actions with support from the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). These agencies will maintain constant oversight to ensure compliance before any reopening can be considered.”
Inter-Ministerial Collaboration to Restore Order
Wahab reiterated that the Lagos State Government operates as a unified body and not in silos. He praised the Ministry of Agriculture for formally raising concerns about the abattoir and stressed that both ministries will work closely to enforce regulations, sanitize operations, and prevent similar lapses from reoccurring.
“There are legal structures in place that govern abattoir operations. Unfortunately, the operators have chosen to disregard these rules entirely. This coordinated effort between ministries proves that we’re united in addressing this environmental crisis,” he said.
Wahab also announced that LASEPA and LAWMA would set up dedicated stations at the site to monitor activities and enforce proper waste disposal practices once operations resume.
Broader Inspection Uncovers Widespread Urban Vandalism
During the same outing, the commissioner also visited Johnathan Coker Road in the Agege area. There, he witnessed significant damage to public infrastructure, allegedly caused by unscrupulous individuals who had been stripping metal rods from bridges and drainage systems for resale as scrap.
Wahab condemned these acts of sabotage, stating that such behavior drains state resources and undermines development efforts.
“These projects are funded with taxpayers’ money. It’s heartbreaking to see them being destroyed by those who should be protecting them. We can’t build roads and then assign guards to watch them 24/7,” he lamented.
He urged Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the area to take responsibility for safeguarding public assets and reporting acts of vandalism promptly.
Government Targets Indiscriminate Waste Disposal
In a separate but related development, Wahab addressed the issue of illegal refuse dumping across Lagos. He expressed concern that despite numerous public awareness campaigns, many residents continue to refuse payment for waste management services, choosing instead to litter streets and drainages indiscriminately.
“This mindset of freeloading must end,” Wahab stated. “The law is clear: if you generate waste, you must pay for its disposal. Residents who continue to flout this rule are now being arrested and prosecuted.”
He disclosed that environmental enforcement teams are actively monitoring different parts of the state, collecting evidence, and apprehending offenders. This crackdown, he said, reflects the government’s commitment to restoring cleanliness and order in Lagos.
Encouraging Civic Engagement and Public Accountability
Wahab praised Lagos residents who have begun to report violations in their neighborhoods, highlighting the growing culture of community whistle-blowing as a positive development.
“We’re beginning to see a shift. More Lagosians are coming forward with reports of illegal dumping, pollution, and vandalism. This is the civic responsibility we need to move the state forward,” he said.
He also urged local leaders to strengthen neighborhood watch efforts and work closely with the government in promoting sustainable urban living.
“The CDAs, residents’ associations, and community leaders must lead by example. It’s your environment—protect it,” he advised.
History of Oko-Oba Abattoir Challenges
The Oko-Oba Abattoir has long been the subject of criticism due to its substandard hygiene practices, poor waste management, and lack of structural organization. Despite numerous government interventions over the years—including clean-up operations, regulatory enforcement, and training for butchers—many of the problems have persisted.
Previous efforts by the Lagos State Government to modernize the facility and introduce automated meat processing lines were thwarted by resistance from entrenched operators who preferred traditional methods. With this latest closure, authorities hope to reset the system and reintroduce reforms from the ground up.
Path Forward and Expectations
While the government has not set a reopening date, Wahab indicated that only full compliance with environmental regulations and operational standards would warrant a reconsideration. He also emphasized the need for long-term structural reform to ensure sustainable abattoir operations.
Stakeholders have called for a complete overhaul of the system, including retraining of butchers, better waste infrastructure, and the relocation of informal settlers living within the facility.
The commissioner concluded by reaffirming the state’s commitment to maintaining environmental integrity and public health.
“We owe it to the people of Lagos to enforce these laws, protect public health, and ensure that no part of this city becomes a breeding ground for disease and decay,” Wahab stated.
