The Lagos State Taskforce, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, has launched a crackdown on illegal display and sale of livestock by roadside, inner streets and any other unapproved locations which goes against the environment laws of the state.
The enforcement exercise which was led by the Chairman of the Agency, Shola Jejeloye kicked off at Agege Ram Market where dozens of livestock were evacuated and taken to the Lagos State Abbatoir market for proper livestock health verification and proper husbandry.
Jejeloye described the activities of the animal traders as unhygienic and dangerous not to the sellers and buyers alone but also to commuters and vehicle operators along that axis.
“From this location it is clear that these animals have not been properly barricaded from the road therefore it is very easy for one ram to lose control and jump on to the road which could lead to an accident” Jejeloye stated.
The Head, Monitoring, Enforcement and Complaince, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Dr Kofoworola Oloritun said people engaged in the sale of livestock by the roadside have violated environmental and agricultural laws of the state. She disclosed that before any animal is displayed for sale, such animal should first of all be inspected to determine if the animal is disease free or not.
“We have issued warnings to these operators severally but they fell on deaf ears,” she said. “The animals evacuated from the illegal market will be properly analyzed here at the abbatoir before having a stakeholders meeting with their owners and enlighten them on the need to adhere to the laid down laws regarding sale of livestock.”
She further disclosed that appropraite fines will be issued to the operators of the illegal markets before handing over the livestocks back to them.
Jejeloye advised other operators across the state to ensure that their livestock are properly tested and displayed at approved locations before being sold to members of the public. He warned that any operators caught endangering the lives of Lagosians through their selfish business activities will have their livestock seized and forfeited to the state government.
He advised residents to ensure that they purchase their livestock from certified dealers in order to avoid consumables that could lead to health issues in the future.
