Lagos Shuts Agege Abattoir Over Unhygienic Practices
The Lagos State Government has announced the closure of the popular Agege abattoir market following revelations of unsanitary and dangerous practices within the facility.
Officials Discover Traders Sleeping with Animals
The closure was ordered on Thursday during a visit by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab. In a video shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Wahab explained that traders were found sleeping in the same spaces as animals, raising serious concerns about hygiene and public health.
“People cannot be sleeping in an animal field; it’s not going to work,” Wahab said.
“The government sent me here, and I’ve done the message. I am closing it down until things are done the right way.”
He stressed that the action was in line with the directives of the Lagos State Government, which is working to uphold environmental and health standards in public spaces.
Agege Abattoir Closure Part of Wider Sanitation Crackdown
The closure of the Agege abattoir is the latest in a series of enforcement actions targeting markets across Lagos that fail to comply with environmental regulations.
April 2025: 13 Markets Sealed in Ketu and Mile 12
Earlier this year, on April 11, the Lagos State Government shut down 13 markets in Ketu and Mile 12 for persistently violating the state’s waste management laws. Offenses included illegal disposal of refuse on roads, highways, and public medians.
According to Wahab, these acts contravene the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
October 2023: Mile 12 and Owode Onirin Markets Closed for Filth
In a similar move in October 2023, the government sealed the Mile 12 International Market and the Owode Onirin Market, citing “filth and environmental infractions.” Wahab had then emphasized the urgent need for proper sanitation across all market areas.
“The events at Mile 12 and Owode Onirin brought to light the pressing need for strict adherence to sanitation standards in our markets,” Wahab stated.
He added that the temporary closures were aimed at enabling stakeholders to re-evaluate operations and prioritize public health and environmental sanity.
Lagos Government Urges Compliance
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict sanitation standards across all public markets. Authorities are urging traders and market unions to collaborate in maintaining clean, safe environments for both vendors and consumers.
Residents and traders are reminded that the government will not hesitate to shut down any facility found to be endangering public health.
