Gwagwalada Residents Call for Upgrade of Anagada Slaughterhouse

Residents of Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory have called for urgent intervention to improve sanitation at the slaughterhouse section of the Anagada Livestock Market.

The residents told the News Agency of Nigeria that the facility was poorly maintained and did not meet required public health standards.

A NAN correspondent who visited the market observed animals being slaughtered on dirty floors covered with waste. Butchers were also seen using tyres to process animal skin, producing smoke that polluted the surrounding air.

Residents also raised concerns about the use of unhygienic water to wash slaughtered animals and the transportation of meat on motorcycles.

Trader Deborah Adiche urged authorities to enforce hygiene rules, regularly train butchers and provide proper vehicles for transporting meat.

Residents Nasiru Ibrahim and Bridget Adeniji also called for rehabilitation of the facility, including improved water supply, waste disposal and modern slaughter equipment.

Public health expert Dr Emmanuel Ademola warned that poor sanitation could increase the risk of meat contamination and disease transmission.

An Area Council official said management regularly sensitises butchers and veterinary officers inspect animals. However, he admitted that compliance remained a challenge.

He said the slaughterhouse has four boreholes and that an earlier gas-powered roasting system could not handle the workload.

The official appealed for support to provide a modern and sustainable roasting system.