Lagos Shuts Oko Oba Abattoir Over Health, Environmental Violations

The Lagos State Government has ordered the indefinite closure of the Oko Oba Abattoir in Agege, citing severe violations of sanitation and environmental regulations, including instances of people living in areas designated for livestock.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement on Thursday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. His decision followed an inspection that uncovered multiple infractions against hygiene and public health standards.

In a video accompanying his post, Wahab confronted a person believed to be the head of the abattoir. He expressed concern over the presence of people sleeping in animal pens and the illegal disposal of animal waste into public drainage systems.

“The government sent me here with a clear message: this abattoir is shut until proper standards are restored,” Wahab declared. “This is unacceptable — people cannot sleep with livestock or dump waste into public drains.”

Despite appeals from the facility’s leadership, the commissioner insisted the closure was non-negotiable, emphasizing the need to enforce environmental and health compliance.

This move is part of Lagos State’s broader efforts to improve public health and sanitation. Authorities have intensified crackdowns on markets, abattoirs, and public facilities that breach environmental laws. Earlier in June, the government announced plans to reinstate monthly environmental sanitation exercises.

Additionally, new penalties have been introduced for indiscriminate waste disposal. Offenders now face fines of up to ₦250,000 or a possible three-month jail term — with stricter consequences for repeat violations.

The government reiterated that these measures are not punitive, but necessary to maintain a cleaner, healthier Lagos.