The Nasarawa State Government has warned that it may shut down the Lafia Modern Abattoir if operators fail to improve hygiene standards at the facility.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Margaret Elayo, issued the warning on Saturday while addressing journalists after monitoring the monthly sanitation exercise in Lafia. She was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hussaini Babayi.
Dr. Elayo expressed dissatisfaction with the unsanitary conditions at the abattoir, stressing that the government would no longer condone practices that threaten public health.
“The abattoir is a very sensitive place because of the kind of activities carried out there. Citizens consume whatever is processed from that place, so there is a need for those working there to prioritise healthy practices,” she said.
She warned that the ministry would continue to monitor operations at the facility to ensure compliance with sanitation laws, adding that failure to maintain proper hygiene could lead to immediate closure.
“We are concerned because the health of the people is at stake. We have warned that we will visit the place again soon, and we expect to see significant improvements in cleanliness,” Elayo cautioned.
The commissioner, however, expressed optimism that the butchers and operators would heed the government’s call to prevent sanctions. She also commended traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and the media for supporting the state’s monthly sanitation exercise.
Meanwhile, the Chief Prosecuting Officer of the ministry, Abubakar Muhammad, disclosed that 86 offenders were arrested across the state’s 13 local government areas for violating sanitation regulations during the exercise.