By Urban Affairs Correspondent
John Umeh
The Lagos State Government has begun a decisive cleanup operation at the popular Oko-Oba Abattoir in the Agege area, demolishing dozens of illegal structures that have long encroached on the facility’s designated operational zones. The exercise, carried out by officials from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in collaboration with other state agencies, aims to restore order, improve hygiene, and enforce the state’s urban development regulations.
The demolition, which began early Monday morning, targeted makeshift stalls, unauthorized buildings, and shanties erected by traders and squatters around the abattoir complex. Bulldozers moved in under the protection of security personnel as affected individuals quickly scrambled to salvage belongings before their structures were torn down.
Government’s Position
According to state officials, the operation was long overdue. The illegal structures not only violated environmental and safety regulations but also hindered the proper functioning of the abattoir. The government noted that several warnings and eviction notices had been issued prior to the exercise.
Speaking to reporters, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated:
“We are committed to maintaining public health standards, especially at critical facilities like the Oko-Oba Abattoir. The illegal occupation of the space posed serious sanitation risks and undermined the abattoir’s operations. This action is part of a broader plan to clean up Lagos and enforce proper land use.”
Community Reactions
The demolition has sparked mixed reactions among affected individuals. While some residents and stakeholders welcomed the move, describing it as necessary to reduce congestion and health hazards, others expressed frustration, claiming the government did not provide adequate relocation support.
One butcher, who identified himself as Alhaji Yusuf, lamented the situation:
“We understand the government’s concerns, but many of us have operated here for years. We just want support to resettle and continue our business legally.”
A Broader Clean-Up Campaign
This latest demolition forms part of a wider effort by the Lagos State Government to enforce urban planning laws across the city. Recent months have seen similar actions taken in markets, waterfronts, and road corridors where illegal developments had become commonplace.
Officials have reiterated that the exercise is not intended to punish law-abiding citizens, but to sanitize the environment and ensure that commercial operations are conducted safely and within the confines of the law.
What’s Next for Oko-Oba?
The government has revealed plans to further modernize the Oko-Oba Abattoir, improve waste management, and enhance overall facility standards. Stakeholders in the meat and livestock industry are expected to be engaged in the next phase of restructuring to ensure a sustainable model that aligns with best practices.
For now, the message from Alausa is clear: illegal structures in Lagos, regardless of location, will not be tolerated as the state pushes forward with its vision for a cleaner, safer, and more organized metropolis.
