The Lagos State Butchers Association has backed the new access control measures introduced by the state government at the Oko-Oba Abattoir to improve sanitation.

The association’s patron, Bamidele Kazeem, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Saturday in Lagos, while reacting to the reopening of the abattoir by the state government.

Mr Kazeem said the closure of the facility was due to the fact that individuals who had no legitimate business at the abattoir were allowed entrance which led to unsanitary activities.

He said most of the people who were found at the abattoir were linked to the mismanagement of the facility.

“Most of these people are not butchers or stakeholders and had no business being there,” he said.

He said the introduction of means of identification would restrict unauthorised access to the abattoir by miscreants.

Mr Kazeem said the measure would limit access to the abattoir to only authorised personnel.

“To address the issue, the management has introduced an identification card system. Only certified butchers will be granted entry into the abattoir.

“The plan is to ensure that only those with genuine business at the facility are allowed access.

“This measure will help to prevent repeated closure and reopening of the abattoir,” he said.

Mr Kazeem also identified the presence of illegal structures within the facility as another reason for its recent closure.

Abattoir was closed on June 20 after an inspection by state officials revealed widespread disregard for hygiene and waste management laws.

However, the state government had ordered the immediate reopening of the abattoir following substantial compliance with environmental and hygiene regulations by its operators.

The conditions for reopening the abattoir included routine monthly inspections by officials from the ministry to ensure continued compliance.

The operators were advised to adhere strictly to sanitary procedures, proper waste disposal, and hygienic handling of animal products in their daily operations.

(NAN)