Ogun Govt. Vows To Maintain Hygienic Meat Handling Practices

IJEBU-IGBO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Ogun State Government has vowed to ensure hygienic meat handling practices in all abattoirs across the state, promising to enforce strict regulations to safeguard public health, towards boosting confidence in the meat industry and ensuring a safe and healthy food supply chain.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, who stated this during a visit to resolve the issue arising from the sealing up of Funmodara Slaughter Slab at Ijebu-Igbo by Veterinary Public Health Enforcement Team, said government was determined to improve sanitation and hygiene standards in the meat industry, as he guaranteed the consumption of wholesome meat in the area.

Hon. Owotomo, in a statement signed by his Press Officer, Mr. Gbenga Moronfolu, explained that the move comes as part of efforts to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases and ensure the safety of meat products in the state, warned abattoir operators to adhere to strict guidelines or face penalties.

While emphasising commitment to protecting the well-being of citizens, the Commissioner urged butchers to support and cooperate with government, for improved services in the slaughter slabs.

Also speaking, the Director of Veterinary services, Dr Taiwo Jolaoso, enjoined butchers to cooperate with veterinary officials and ensure that healthy animals were slaughtered for consumption.

Responding on behalf of the butchers, Chairman of the Slab, Alhaji Musa Abesin, commended the Commissioner for intervening and ordering the re-opening of the abattoir, promising unalloyed cooperation with government, in its effort to improve the slabs

He appealed for rehabilitation of the road leading to the abattoir and provision of necessary amenities to make the abattoir more conducive.