Lagos State Government says it has fulfilled its promise to provide an enabling environment for the consumption of wholesome red meat by the residents, with the commissioning of five different projects in the value chain.

Through the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with private investors, the state has facilitated the implementation of the projects at the Lagos State Central Abattoir, Oko-Oba, Agege .

The projects include the reconstruction of 600 metres Oko-Oba Abattoir Road A, the New Carcass Refrigerated Meat Vans (Eko Fresh Meat Van), Offals Tripes Transport Logistics, Cattle Crush Way and Carcass Incinerator.

Speaking at an event to commission the projects, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya said the delivery of the project is a testament to the commitment of the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure healthy living for the people of the state.

The abattoir, built in 1992 by the former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande remains the flagship abattoir in Lagos, according to the commissioner, the upgrading and maintenance of the facility is of paramount importance to the current government.

“Oko-Oba abattoir is the flagship abattoir facility for Lagos State, which requires constant maintenance to ensure the facility remains in an optimal state. This requires constant stakeholders engagement, particularly considering what the state, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is trying to do under the Red Meat Value Chain.

“This place has seen a lot of wear and tear in the last years, and the road that we have come to commission was in a dilapidated situation, but thankfully, the concessionaire and private players that are in partnership with the Lagos State Government have taken it upon themselves to ensure the maintenance and upgrading of this place.

“We have commissioned a 600-metre stretch of road A, running from one end of the abattoir to the other, and also commissioned over 65 vehicles in different categories, carrying different weighted carcass and this is in partnership with private investors. The cattle crush way which is a channelisation of how cattle moves from the market to the Lairage before going for slaughtering, is another project that we have commissioned,” she said.

Olusanya added that numerous interventions of the government to prevent unwholesome meat consumption has been fruitful as government will continue to lay down the rules and regulations, as well as enforcement, to ensure that Nigerians and Lagosians get the hygienic needs that they deserve to have in their kitchens.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola urged residents to key into the initiative geared towards ensuring slaughtering, transferring, and selling of meat is done under hygienic conditions. He said the facility is strategic in creating an ambience of hygiene, which must be maintained.