The Lagos State Government has affirmed that the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege will remain closed indefinitely until its operators fully adhere to environmental laws and significantly elevate hygiene standards. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, underscored this firm stance during a live television appearance on Sunday, emphasizing that public health and environmental safety would not be jeopardized for business convenience. The facility, which was initially shut down last Thursday, faced closure following persistent reports of severe waste mismanagement, deplorable sanitation, and unhygienic meat handling practices.

Wahab detailed the extent of the violations, explaining that the non-compliance had already negatively impacted assets outside the abattoir and led to a barrage of complaints from local residents. He recounted previous government interventions, including facilitating overseas training for abattoir stakeholders to introduce them to modern slaughtering techniques. Despite these efforts, operators largely remained uncooperative, reverting to old habits. The latest enforcement action was prompted by a formal complaint from the Commissioner for Agriculture, who cited alarming environmental degradation at the site. Specific infractions included the misuse of animal pens, which were converted into living quarters, and the unchecked flow of untreated animal waste into public drains.

Upon reports of some operators relocating slaughter activities to an abandoned gas station and various roadside locations, enforcement officers were promptly deployed. Wahab firmly stated that Lagos would not tolerate a breakdown of law and order, asserting that once regulations are established, compliance is mandatory, rejecting the notion of a 'Hobbesian state' where chaos prevails. He clarified that the abattoir’s operations fall under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, with regular monitoring conducted by officials from the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and Lagos State Waste Management Office (LASWAMO). He particularly criticized the concessionaire, Harmony, and the operators’ leader, Galadima, for their complicity in allowing untreated animal waste to pollute public drainage systems. Furthermore, despite the presence of mechanised and semi-mechanised facilities within the abattoir, operators reportedly utilize only about 10 percent of the available infrastructure, preferring less hygienic, manual methods.

Beyond the abattoir issue, Commissioner Wahab also addressed broader environmental challenges confronting Lagos, such as climate change-induced sea level rise and flash flooding, particularly in low-lying reclaimed areas. He reported significant progress in improving drainage systems and restoring rights of way, with approximately 1,141 contraventions already removed. He issued a stern warning to developers against constructing on wetlands in areas like Iketu, Agbowa, and Magodo, affirming that such encroachments would not be tolerated. Over the past two years, more than 666,000 primary drainage channels and 397 secondary collectors have been successfully cleared. Wahab concluded by urging residents to take ownership of their environment, acknowledging that while nature presents challenges, collective human effort is crucial alongside governmental priorities in ensuring environmental safety. He also advocated for public support in climate mitigation efforts through tree planting and preserving green spaces, noting that LASPARK alone has planted over 20,000 trees this year.