Lagos Shuts Down Abattoir Over UnHealthy Conditions, Traders Found Sleeping Among Animals

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the popular Agege abattoir following alarming reports of unsafe and unhygienic practices, including traders allegedly living and sleeping in close quarters with animals.

The move came after an unscheduled inspection led by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who documented the conditions in a video shared on his official X handle.

During his visit on Thursday, Wahab expressed outrage at the state of the market and directly addressed the traders, emphasizing that the government would no longer tolerate such violations. He announced the closure on the spot, stating that the abattoir would remain sealed until significant changes are made and proper hygiene standards are enforced. The commissioner described the situation as unacceptable and a serious health hazard, insisting that the closure would serve as a wake-up call for authorities and traders alike to reconsider how such public spaces are managed.

The shutdown is part of a broader enforcement campaign launched by the state government to sanitize public markets and abattoirs across Lagos. In recent months, similar enforcement actions have led to the sealing of markets in Ketu, Mile 12, and Owode Onirin for offences ranging from poor sanitation and illegal waste disposal to flouting public health regulations.

Authorities have cited the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017 as the legal backing for these closures. The law empowers the government to take decisive action against facilities that pose threats to public health and environmental safety. Wahab warned that any market or business failing to meet minimum sanitation requirements will face similar sanctions.

The closure of the Agege abattoir has drawn public attention not only because of the market’s size and popularity, but also because of the disturbing revelation that people had turned parts of it into sleeping quarters, cohabiting with livestock. Such practices raise the risk of zoonotic diseases and further deteriorate hygiene levels in an environment meant for food processing and distribution.

The government has made it clear that the market will remain closed until all necessary corrective measures are put in place. Officials have also reiterated that reopening will only be considered after thorough inspections confirm full compliance with the required standards.

This latest move sends a strong message about the government’s commitment to public health and environmental responsibility, especially in densely populated urban areas where lapses in sanitation can have serious consequences. Traders and market leaders have been urged to take responsibility for maintaining hygienic conditions and to support government efforts to ensure Lagos remains safe and healthy for all residents.