The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege over alarming levels of environmental violations, including unsanitary handling of animal products, poor waste management and indiscriminate discharge of animal waste into public drainage.
The decision followed an inspection visit by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who described the condition of the abattoir as “heart-wrenching and unacceptable.”
According to Wahab, the Ministry acted on a formal petition from the Ministry of Agriculture, which raised serious concerns about ongoing environmental and public health infractions at the facility.
“What we saw today is appalling. Operators at the Oko-Oba Abattoir have thrown caution to the wind. They slaughter animals and discharge untreated waste directly into public drains with impunity. This cannot continue,” he stated.
During the inspection, it was observed that animal waste was being funneled into the drainage systems around “Harmony” section of the abattoir, as well as discharged into nearby premises, including Forth-Walt Farm on Wasiu Olaife Street.
Wahab warned that the state government will not tolerate environmental abuse in any form, noting that there are clear regulations governing abattoir operations in Lagos.
“Wastewater and blood from meat processing are supposed to go through proper treatment systems, not into public drains. We have environmental laws and we expect full compliance,” he said.
He cautioned abattoir operators against defiance and attempts to blackmail regulatory authorities, stressing that enforcement will be strict and coordinated.
“This closure is part of a joint operation involving the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, LASEPA, LASWMO and LAWMA. Let this be a warning—if you won’t follow the law, we will act,” he added.
The Commissioner also visited Adetola Canal along Jonathan Coker Street in Iju, where parts of the canal infrastructure had been vandalized. He noted that the canal had just been lined and was set to discharge into the Oko-Oba Canal.
“We have directed the Community Development Associations (CDAs) to take ownership and safeguard these public assets. Government can’t build and police them at the same time,” Wahab remarked.
He further advised residents to stop patronizing illegal cart pushers and ensure regular payment for PSP waste services. He warned that the government will continue to prosecute all offenders caught engaging in indiscriminate waste disposal.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the inspection by senior officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; KAI Corps Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd); GM of LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi; and other top directors.
Areas visited include the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege and Adetola Canal at Jonathan Coker Street, Fagba, in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area.
