The deplorable state of abattoirs in the country, the lax adherence to sanitation measures by butchers, and the transportation of meat in public transport vehicles have continued unabated for years. This raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to public health.
The grim reality of abattoirs nationwide is distressing. As concerned authorities fail to act, fears grow that poor handling of meat could spike food-borne illnesses, promote the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and pose significant public health risks.
On a typical Tuesday morning in Port Harcourt, a motorcyclist navigated the heavy traffic at Rumuosi Junction, his motorbike loaded with large chunks of beef dripping blood. He seemed unfazed by the flies and the sewage tanker ahead. His sole focus was delivering the meat to restaurant owners who couldn’t wait until midday.
Happy Ufom, a meat seller at Rumuosi Market, prefers motorcycles for transporting meat due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to navigate congested roads. Ufom explained that motorcycles account for over 70% of meat shipments in most parts of the state because they easily reach their destinations despite the traffic.
In Lagos State, the situation is equally alarming. Recently, a passenger on a commercial bus got drenched in blood from carelessly conveyed beef. The meat tossed uncovered in the bus’s booth, posed health risks to passengers and end users at the Ketu Market. LASTMA officials had to intervene to resolve the situation.
If the sight of meat transportation is disturbing, the conditions of the abattoirs where the meat is processed are horrifying. Across the country, abattoirs present a stomach-churning picture. During visits to abattoirs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country, the dire state of these facilities was evident.
In Kubwa, an abattoir is filled with an obnoxious stench and swarming flies. Animals are herded to the slaughter slabs without any veterinary inspection. Butchers, clad in filthy clothes, dismember cattle on concrete floors stained with blood and feces. Large chunks of meat are piled onto rusty wheelbarrows and distributed to stalls or transported on motorcycles and public vehicles.
At Mandala Abattoir, the situation is even worse. The open-air slaughter slab is filthy, with coagulated animal blood and faeces. Hides and skins, processed near a fireplace using disused car tires, are among the filthiest parts of the abattoir. Butchers lament the lack of cold rooms and designated meat transportation vehicles.
Ahmed Afeez, a butcher in Dutse, Abuja, highlighted the absence of cold rooms and proper meat transport vehicles. Meat is often transported on motorcycles or public transport, leading to huge losses. Anayo Ikenna, a meat seller at Kubwa Abattoir, criticized the laxity of veterinary doctors, who often arrive late to inspect the meat.
In Lagos State, despite government interventions, unhygienic meat handling persists. At Oko-Oba Abattoir, Agege, meat is butchered on bare floors, and porters transport meat on their heads. Despite some improvements, the situation remains concerning. Refrigerated vans are present but old, dirty buses still transport meat.
In Enugu, the situation is similar. At the New Artisan Market, meat is transported in wheelbarrows, tricycles, motorcycles, and open vans. A steak seller, Sanni, stated that his suppliers bring meat in wheelbarrows without covering it, as the abattoir is nearby. At the Amansea Cattle Market, meat is transported in open vans, accompanied by swarms of flies.
In Kaduna State, meat sellers at Zangon, Kakuri, and the Central Market complain about the lack of modern slaughter facilities. At Kakuri, animals are slaughtered in open spaces, and meat is transported on motorcycles and tricycles. Abibu Nura, a dealer at Zangon Cow Market, highlighted the absence of modern abattoirs and transportation vehicles.
In Oyo State, residents express concern over the unhygienic state of both government-certified and illegal abattoirs. Meat is transported on commercial motorcycles and vehicles, disregarding guidelines and best practices. Ishola Alagbe, a butcher in Lagos, believes that Nigerians’ indifference to meat handling and the government’s lax enforcement contribute to the problem. He calls for strict government intervention to improve the situation.
Unhygienic meat handling can have severe public health implications. It can promote the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and lead to food-borne illnesses, increasing healthcare costs. Ensuring hygienic practices throughout the meat supply chain is crucial to safeguarding public health, maintaining economic stability, and protecting the environment.
Dr. Abubakar Bala Muhammad, a private veterinary practitioner, emphasized the risks of consuming unhygienically treated meat, including food-borne diseases, infections, antibiotic resistance, chemical contamination, and poor-quality meat. He recommended regular animal inspections and education campaigns for butchers, meat sellers, and consumers.
A senior official from the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture highlighted the public health risks associated with meat transportation. Dr. Godwin Abonyi, a past president of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), lamented the neglect of meat hygiene by the government and the resultant public health risks.
To address these challenges, stakeholders call for proper enlightenment on the dangers of unsafe meat practices. Government enforcement and public education are essential to improve the situation. Banki Alaiyaki, a trader at Bodija Market, urged the Oyo State government to adopt policies similar to Lagos State’s Eko Meat Van initiative.
The Director of Veterinary Services in the FCT, Dr. Idris Ademoh, emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the veterinary public health system. Plans are underway to collaborate with the private sector to improve meat transportation. The Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Tambari Gbara, assured that measures are being taken to ensure compliance with hygienic standards.
The Oyo State government has provided refrigerated delivery vans to butchers to prevent disease outbreaks. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, acknowledged the dangers of open van meat transportation and emphasized the need for better practices.
Ensuring hygienic meat handling and transportation is crucial for public health and safety. Urgent measures, strict enforcement, and public education are necessary to address the dire state of abattoirs and meat transportation in the country.
Source: The Guardian
