Experts Warn of Health Risks Linked to Poor Abattoir Practices in Nigeria

Animal health experts have raised concerns over poor hygiene and weak regulation at abattoirs across Nigeria, warning that unsafe slaughter and meat handling could expose consumers to disease-causing organisms.

A report titled Public Health Perspective of Public Abattoirs in Nigeria, Challenges and Solutions identifies abattoirs as possible sources of pathogens and multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Former President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Gani Enahoro, said Nigeria’s large livestock population increases the need for stronger meat safety controls.

The National Bureau of Statistics estimates that the country has 54.81 million cattle, 64.93 million sheep, 138.95 million goats, 16 million pigs and about 683.68 million poultry birds.

Enahoro said poor meat processing and handling could expose consumers to diseases such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, salmonella and E. coli, as well as parasites and harmful chemical residues.

Professor Sidney Nzeako of the University of Port Harcourt also called for stronger regulation of abattoirs. He recommended veterinary inspection of every animal before slaughter and greater use of ranching and controlled livestock production.

Former Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Professor Eustace Iyayi, listed contaminated water, poor waste management, weak animal inspection, unsafe carcass transportation and inadequate protective equipment among major concerns.

The experts called for modern abattoirs with proper veterinary supervision, clean water, waste treatment, cold storage and disease surveillance to protect public health.