Lagos clampdown on illegal abattoirs, arrests 24 butchers

Speaking with newsmen after the exercise, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau explained that the exercise was carried out in Ikorodu and Badagry areas of the State by the State Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance Unit on Abattoirs and Slaughter Slabs, Stray Animals, Meat and Live Cattle Transportation and Regulation of Veterinary Premises.

He added that aside that 24 butchers and cattle marketers who were arrested for illegal operations, large chunk of unwholesome meat being processed with dirty stagnant water and live cattle were impounded in the raid.

According to Suarau, 10 butchers were arrested from illegal abattoirs by the enforcement team in Owutu Ikorodu while 14 butchers and marketers were arrested in the Badagry axis.

“The operation in the Badagry axis of the State, affected illegal slaughter slabs at Seme J5 Zongo, Iya Afin and Ajara; and illegal animal markets at Iberekodo, Limka and Toll Gate”, he said.

The Commissioner, while stressing the need for monitoring, enforcement and compliance in the red meat value chain business added that the effort would help prevent spread of diseases, promote data collection for planning, promote good animal welfare and make Lagos a safe place for all inhabitants by discouraging environmental pollution and health hazards.

Reiterating that the State Government has declared zero tolerance on illegal abattoirs and slaughter slabs, illegal transportation of meat and cattle, unregistered veterinary premises and stray animals, Suarau noted that government would continue to close down abattoirs and slaughter slabs that were not established in compliance with the relevant laws governing meat slaughtering in the State.

The Commissioner stated that the State Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance Unit had the responsibility of monitoring the whole process of meat handling right from the Animal Markets to the Abattoirs, including meat and cattle transportation, noting that government had handled significantly the transportation aspect of the chain by introducing the ‘Eko Refrigerated Meat Van’ which is now used to transport meat rather than the former obnoxious meat transportation methods.

He disclosed that government would not condone any act of uncleanliness and lawlessness in the red meat value chain business, adding that all aspect of the meat supply chain would be scrutinized especially in the area of sanitation of slaughtering facilities, meat handling and movement.

Suarau, who gave stern warning to operators of unauthorized slaughter slabs and abattoirs in the state to close down, stressed that the State government would not relent in its continued efforts to sanitize the meat value chain business.

The Commissioner also advised owners of animals to restrict them within the confines of their premises or face the wrath of the law. He added that Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance Unit have been charged to impound stray animals, arrest and prosecute owners.

“Government has also provided designated vehicles called ‘METROLIVE’ for the movement of live cattle thus, the old method of cattle trekking or transporting of live cattle with unapproved vehicles on Lagos roads is prohibited,” Suarau said.

-Kazeem Ugbodaga