Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have expressed dissatisfaction over the poor and unsanitary condition of abattoirs in the state.
The lawmakers observed the deplorable condition of abattoirs within the Lagos metropolis and the neglect of modern slaughtering facilities provided by the government, but that butchers slaughter and process meat in the open, which according to them is crude, filthy and unhygienic.
It was further observed that despite the huge investment of the Lagos State Government in the agricultural sector over the years, especially on the purchase of modern machine for slaughtering meat in hygienic manner to preventing outbreak of diseases, the state’s abattoirs have not been utilised them.
The lawmakers also frowned at the means by which the processed meat is being conveyed on motorbike, car-trunk and other illicit means with impunity in the state.
Contributing, Hon. Rotimi Olowo suggested the need for the House Committee on Agriculture to embark on inspection tour and investigate the present condition of the abattoirs after which the House will decide further actions on the outcome of the investigation.
Hon. Bisi Yusuf, representing Alimosho constituency I, stated that “the condition of the abattoir is very dirty and irritating,” and suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture should inspect and monitor activities in the abattoirs.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Agunbiade added that, “there is need for the Committee on Agriculture to do an oversight of all the abattoirs in the state”.
“I suggest that necessary agencies should take holistic view into the conduct and the state of the abattoir and report back to the House because the image of the state is at stake and unnecessary activities have been going on in the abattoir," Hon. Tunde Braimoh stated.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa noted that the motion had exposed raging issues in the state’s abattoir. According to him, the existing law on abattoirs which provides for the individuals should be encouraged.
He therefore mandated the Committee on Agriculture to make visit to all the abattoirs in the state and report to the House within two weeks.
