Oko‑Oba Abattoir: Lagos Authorities Tear Down Unauthorized Buildings

The Lagos State Government has ramped up its environmental enforcement efforts with the demolition of illegal structures at the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege, days after indefinitely shutting down the facility over egregious sanitation violations.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the development on Monday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. According to Wahab, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) led the exercise to remove unauthorized buildings erected on drainage setbacks within the abattoir premises.

“As part of a clean-up exercise, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps @LAGESCOfficial commenced the removal of illegal structures built on drainage setback inside Oko Oba Abattoir,” Wahab posted.

The enforcement is part of a broader plan to restore environmental order at the facility, improve public hygiene, and prevent potential health crises linked to flooding and improper waste disposal. Authorities emphasized that the blocked drainage channels posed a significant risk to the surrounding community and livestock handlers.

The demolition follows the Lagos government’s decision to shut the abattoir indefinitely due to flagrant violations, including the unhygienic processing of meat, uncontrolled dumping of animal waste, and encroachment on public infrastructure.

In a recent appearance on Arise TV, Wahab reaffirmed the government’s position, stating that the facility will remain sealed until operators fully comply with stipulated environmental and sanitary requirements.

“The closure is not a punitive action, but a necessary intervention to safeguard public health,” Wahab said, stressing that food safety cannot be compromised.

“The abattoir will remain shut until the operators comply with the minimum standards of operating a decent facility.

“What we found there was heart-wrenching,” he said.

He decried the persistent disregard for regulations despite repeated government engagements and international exposure trips to model abattoirs.

“We’ve been engaging them for years.

“We even sponsored visits abroad to see how a modern abattoir operates, but they’ve refused to change.

“Now they’ve taken to slaughtering cows at a nearby abandoned gas station and on the streets,” Wahab said.

The commissioner revealed that only 10% of the abattoir’s mechanised equipment is being utilised, while many operators continue to flout basic hygiene protocols.

“Animals are pushed out of the pens while humans sleep inside.

“The stench is unbearable, and it’s destroying public infrastructure.

“Many residents have vacated their homes because of the pollution,” the commissioner added.

Wahab also warned that the government would not bow to blackmail or religious sentiments aimed at politicising the closure.