By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Dr Mutiu Oladele-Bukola, Veterinary Doctor at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Moore Plantation, Ibadan, has called on governments to institute laws guiding abattoir operations.
Oladele-Bukola made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ibadan.
He said that governments should also enforce absolute compliance to the law for a standard operation by the abattoirs.
He said that the waste management practices in many Nigerian slaughter houses were poor, posing public health and environmental hazards to inhabitants.
According to him, open dump waste disposal and direct disposal of effluents into water bodies are still common practices in many abattoirs.
“These practices expose inhabitants and neighbouring communities to pathogens, with great risks to public health.
“Bacteria and fungi break down these organic materials to produce biomass leading to cellular multiplication.
“Most abattoir effluents are channeled to surrounding water bodies, causing water pollution.
“Many communities in Nigeria get their drinking water directly from rivers and streams that receive these effluents from abattoirs,” he said.
The veterinarian added that these water bodies also served as sources of water for farming activities, exposing plants and animals to pathogenic microbes.
“Polluted animals can lead to food-borne diseases, which could be life-threatening, especially in immune-compromised individuals,” he said.
Oladele-Bukola emphasised the need for improved sanitary conditions and optimal waste management in abattoirs across Nigeria.
He advocated a robust and holistic review of the policies and legislative framework guiding abattoir activities and management in the country.
“Efforts must be made to expedite the passage, and enforcement of the Meat Inspection and Hygiene Act, currently before the National Assembly.
“The said Act should also be reviewed to accommodate expert views on contemporary methods of waste management.
“New policies should reflect and enforce modern standards of waste treatment and disposal in line with global best practices.
“The traditional practice of floor slaughter and carcass dressing should be replaced with the rail system which ensures minimal carcass contamination,” he added.
Oladele-Bukola equally called for improved technology for waste treatment and energy conversion.
He stressed the importance of training for veterinary officers, butchers and abattoir staff for an acceptable level of hygiene and waste management.
“To attract individuals with a good level of formal education to the sector, government and major players must make abattoir jobs socially and economically appealing.
“Proper implementation of waste management systems, education of abattoir workers and enforcement of regulations and compliance to international standards, would contribute to the promotion of both public and planetary health,” Oladele-Bukola said. (NAN)
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