The Lagos State Taskforce, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, has clampdown on the indiscriminate and illegal display and sale of livestock by the roadside, inner streets and other unapproved locations, which is against the environmental laws of the state.
The enforcement exercise which was led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye kicked off at Agege Ram Market where dozens of livestock were evacuated and taken to the Lagos State Abattoir market for proper livestock health verification.
Jejeloye described the activities of the animal traders as unhygienic and dangerous not only to the sellers and buyers 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 onto the road which could lead to accidents”, Jejeloye stated.
He, however, advised other operators scattered across the State to heed the note of warning and ensure that their livestock are properly tested and displayed at approved locations before being sold to members of the public.
He warned that any operator caught endangering the lives of Lagosians through their selfish business activities would have their livestock seized and forfeited to the State Government.
He admonished residents and consumers to ensure that they purchase their livestock from certified dealers to avoid consumables that could lead to health issues in the future.
The Head, Monitoring, Enforcement and Complaince, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Dr. Kofoworola Oloritun remarked that the individuals engaging in the sale of livestock by the roadside have violated environmental and agricultural laws of the State in so many ways.
She disclosed that before any animal is displayed for sale, such animal should first be inspected to determine if the animal is disease-free or not.
Her words, “We have issued warnings to these operators severally but they fell on deaf ears. The animals evacuated from the illegal market will be properly analysed here at the abbatoir before having stakeholders meeting with their owners and enlightened on the need to adhere to the laid down laws regarding the sale of livestock”.
She further disclosed that appropriate fines would be issued to the operators of the illegal markets before handing over the livestock to them.