Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lagos State Government on Thursday reiterated its determination to harness all the resource opportunities associated with abattoir waste by providing solutions to transform them into valuables.
Speaking during a one-day workshop held in Matori, Mushin, the Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Mr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, said the state government would explore proper management techniques for animal bones, hoofs and horns, which currently deface the environment as well as contribute to methane buildup.
Gaji, represented by the Director, Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, said environmental pollution remains one of the most significant global challenges today; a lack of action will expose future generations to a more dangerous environmental condition.
He added that the government must address environmental pollution promptly for the benefit of both the environment and humanity whose neglect may lead to serious environmental degradation, spread of diseases and decline in socio-economic values.
According to the permanent secretary, Last year the Ministry organised a workshop on Circular Economy: Conversion of Abattoir Waste to Wealth, where the detrimental effects of slaughterhouse waste on the environment were discussed and suggestions proffered on ways to improve its management.
Gaji said after assessing the impact of the previous meeting, it was realised that there was a need to break down the process into smaller fragments for easier adoption and adaptation, noting that this also influenced the choice of venue for this year’s workshop.
He promised that the abattoir operators would be introduced to an effective management method for converting cow dung to organic manure through composting to mitigate air pollution, health hazards, and resource wastage, stressing that the process aligns with the principles of circular economy and ensuring the efficient use of resources.
The state official urged participants to actively engage in the practical demonstration, as the session was designed to provide solutions that are not only beneficial but would also increase their earnings while ensuring food security.
Gaji averred that composting offers several advantages which include opportunities for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to thrive, the improvement of soil fertility, increased availability of nutrients to plants, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices by reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers that degrade soil and contaminate water bodies.
He expressed appreciation for the synergy between the Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture in the efforts towards reversing the negative trends in slaughterhouse activities, stressing that the synergy has encouraged the establishment of the blood meal facility in Oko-Oba abattoir, Agege.
He emphasised that earlier in the day, the Ministry conducted a clean-up exercise to promote good sanitation practices in slaughterhouses, saying the absence or improper implementation of these practices can inadvertently impact human health and the environment by facilitating the spread of diseases.
Gaji, therefore, urged all stakeholders including representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Cooperatives, the Directorate of Project Development Design from the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (F.I.I.R.O.) and Concessionaires to embrace their roles and contribute to making the Circular economy a reality.
In his presentation titled: “Simple Techniques for Waste Reduction in Abattoir and Slaughter Houses”, Mr. Leo Alabi encouraged the operators to put an end to all environmental infractions that may emerge from abattoir mismanagement and embrace Circular Economy which is the Conversion of Abattoir Waste to Wealth.
He mentioned that the cleaning of the abattoir after slaughtering should be done with an alkaline-based cleaner to disinfect the surroundings and rid the space of any disease-causing agent.
Responding, the General Manager of Charlie Papa abattoir/slaughterhouse, Mr. Sulaiman Ogunremi thanked the State Government for their support, pledging the continued adherence of his organisation to the necessary laws guiding meat production in the state.
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