- Lagos shuts down Oko-Oba Abattoir over environmental violations.
- Wahab describes the facility as lawless, with waste dumped in public drains.
- Residents urged to protect infrastructure, pay for waste disposal.
The Lagos State Government has shut down the Oko-Oba Abattoir, citing environmental violations and non-compliance with operational standards.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, announced the decision on Thursday after leading an inspection team to the facility. He expressed deep concern over the state of the abattoir and the actions of its operators.
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“We got a very strongly worded petition with reference to the state of Oko-Oba Abattoir and got a concurrence petition again from the Ministry of Agric and Food Security,” Wahab told reporters. “They requested that the Ministry of Environment intervene urgently with respect to the environmental degradation of that facility.”
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According to the commissioner, the situation on ground was alarming. “So, we came this morning, and it’s very heartbreaking what we saw there. Humans are now occupying tents built purposely for animals,” he said.
He noted that the facility had become a lawless zone, with operators flouting established guidelines. “The operators have also defied regulations, and they have chosen to be law unto themselves. They slaughter animals, discharge waste into the public drainage system, and it’s just unacceptable.”
Wahab said the government would not hesitate to take strong action to ensure order is restored. “The next step is, we are going to take a very drastic, firm and decisive action until they are able to comply with the minimum standard, but we have to be very decisive in the next few hours. It’s a catastrophic thing to happen.”
He clarified that the move to shut the abattoir was not solely from his ministry. “We are the same government. We are not working in silos. I am glad this major complaint came from the Ministry of Agric,” he said. “This system is settled by laws. There are regulations for the abattoir. You can’t choose to defy and go your own way.”
Wahab added that enforcement would involve several agencies. “Once we start the enforcement, we are also going to ensure we have the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) there. But this is beyond LASEPA. The Lagos Waste Management Authority must have a main station there,” he stated.
Meanwhile, during a separate visit to Johnathan Coker Road in Agege, the commissioner raised concern over the deterioration of infrastructure in the area. He revealed that some individuals had been caught removing iron rods from public drainage systems and bridges.
“These infrastructures cost the state huge resources. We can’t build and still police them daily,” he said.
Wahab called on community leaders to take ownership of public assets in their neighbourhoods. “The three CDA chairmen here today must step up. It’s your community. Protect what is yours.”
He also criticised residents who refuse to subscribe to proper waste disposal services, instead resorting to illegal dumping. “Our laws are clear. You generate your waste, pay for it. No more freeloading. We are also grateful that many Lagosians are beginning to take ownership and whistle-blow on violations.
“It’s a gradual process, but we’re making progress,” he added.
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