The Abia State government has instructed environmental health officials to conduct immediate inspections of all slaughterhouses throughout the region. This directive specifically aims to prohibit butchers from using discarded vehicle tires to singe animal hides, a product known locally as kanda.
Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, explained during a meeting in Aba that this practice presents severe health hazards, including an increased risk of cancer. He urged officers to maintain rigorous oversight of hygiene standards within these facilities.
Beyond slaughterhouse regulations, the Commissioner ordered the enforcement of a ban on sand mining and dredging activities in the Umuigwe and Uratta communities of Osisioma. According to Ogbonna, these operations violate the city’s established master plan. He further encouraged officials to expand community outreach regarding sanitation and hygiene.
During the meeting, Obieze Odimuko and Onyinyechi Nwigwe of the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria reported on recent enforcement activity. Between June 2025 and August 2026, officials inspected nearly 80,000 properties across 1,382 villages. These efforts resulted in the issuance of over 50,000 abatement notices, significant voluntary compliance, and the prosecution of more than 2,500 individuals who failed to meet safety standards.