Lagos Reopens Oko Oba Abattoir After Sanitation Enforcement

Lagos State reopens Oko Oba Abattoir after sanitation reforms. Officials vow monthly checks to uphold hygiene in the meat processing sector

Lagos reopens Oko Oba abattoir following marked improvements in sanitary conditions, days after the facility was shut due to flagrant breaches of hygiene rules.

Also read: Lagos Abattoir Market Oko Oba Shut Down Over Hygiene Breaches

The Lagos State Government announced the immediate reopening of the facility on Friday evening.

This decision, conveyed by Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, reflects the state’s resolve to strengthen health and safety in meat processing operations.

Wahab stated that the operators had rectified the major sanitary failings that led to the enforced closure on 20 June 2025.

These included improper waste management and poor handling of animal products, which were deemed threats to public health.

“The operators have substantially complied with the minimum benchmark for the operations of abattoirs in the state which was flagrantly flouted necessitating the closure,” Wahab affirmed in a personally signed statement.

He added that the government’s decision was guided by its unwavering responsibility to safeguard the health of residents.

The abattoir had initially been shut down after a comprehensive inspection by senior officials revealed serious violations of the laws regulating slaughterhouse operations in Lagos.

These violations included indiscriminate waste disposal and the unhygienic processing of meat products, sparking public concern over consumer safety.

Wahab stressed that the reopening does not imply the state is relaxing its standards. Instead, it signifies a cooperative path forward.

As part of the new operating conditions, officials from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources will now carry out monthly inspections of the Oko Oba facility.

“Part of the conditions for the reopening is that on a monthly basis, the ministry… will conduct a periodic inspection,” he stated, making clear that monitoring will be both proactive and rigorous.

He further urged all operators to uphold the agreed standards, warning that any return to previous unsanitary practices would trigger strict enforcement actions.

Kunle Adeshina, Director of Public Affairs, said the decision to reopen the facility was a reflection of balance.

“The reopening shows our willingness to work with industry stakeholders while holding firm on public health,” he noted.

Also read: Lagos Building Demolition Process Defended as Peter Obi Alleges Impunity

The state’s action demonstrates a commitment to maintaining oversight while encouraging compliance, reinforcing that Lagos remains serious about hygiene in food production and environmental health.