LAGOS MOVES TO HARNESS ABATTOIR WASTE FOR BIOGAS, FERTILISER PRODUCTION

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing environmental pollution through improved waste recovery and the conversion of abattoir waste into valuable products.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Kunle Adeshina.

According to the statement, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, made the disclosure at a one-day workshop for abattoir operators held at the ABIS Farmers Market in Ajah, Lagos.

The workshop, themed, “Red to Green: From Waste Disposal to Resource Recovery,” focused on sustainable waste management, public health protection and the economic opportunities available through the recovery and processing of waste generated from slaughtering and meat-processing activities.

Tajudeen, who was represented by the Director of Public Sanitation Utility, Rahman Fagbolade, said abattoirs and slaughterhouses play a vital role in Lagos’ food supply chain, while also supporting livelihoods and contributing to economic activities.

He, however, noted that slaughtering activities generate various forms of waste, including blood, paunch and rumen contents, bones, horns, hooves, faecal matter and wastewater.

He warned that poor management of such waste could lead to environmental pollution, poor sanitation, blocked drainage channels, offensive odours and public health risks.

The permanent secretary said the government would continue to ensure that abattoirs and slaughterhouses operate in line with established environmental and sanitation standards.

He added that achieving sustainable compliance would require continuous engagement, education and capacity building among operators.

According to him, the workshop was aimed at encouraging a shift from conventional waste disposal to resource recovery and waste-to-wealth initiatives.

Tajudeen explained that materials such as blood, paunch and rumen contents, wastewater and faecal matter could be processed into biogas and organic fertiliser, while bones, horns and hooves could also be transformed into valuable products.

He said materials traditionally regarded as waste could become useful resources when properly separated, processed and managed, creating opportunities for businesses, job creation and additional sources of income.

Tajudeen identified regulation, education, innovation and collaboration as key factors in achieving sustainable waste management within the abattoir sector.

He urged operators to view environmental compliance not merely as a legal requirement but as an investment in public health, consumer confidence and the long-term sustainability of their businesses.

The permanent secretary also encouraged young people, farmers and other stakeholders to explore opportunities in resource recovery and waste-to-wealth initiatives to create businesses, generate employment and support agricultural productivity.

He stressed that building a cleaner and healthier Lagos would require the collective efforts of government, businesses, communities and individuals.

Tajudeen described the transition from “Red to Green” as a change in how waste is perceived and managed, with the goal of transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities.

He urged participants to exchange practical ideas, identify workable solutions and implement recommendations from the workshop in their abattoirs, farms, businesses and communities.

The permanent secretary commended the ABIS Group for hosting and supporting the workshop, expressing optimism that the initiative would improve sanitation, promote environmental sustainability and strengthen the circular economy in Lagos.

Speaking on the topic, “From By-products to Business: Unlocking the Economic Value of Bones, Horns, Hooves and Other Abattoir By-products,” guest lecturer Muyiwa Semowo urged operators to adopt innovative methods of transforming abattoir waste into profitable ventures.

Semowo said abattoir by-products could be processed into valuable materials for industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and animal feed.

He encouraged stakeholders to adopt proper waste segregation, handling and processing methods to improve the quality and market value of the materials.

According to him, embracing a circular economy approach would not only reduce pollution and improve sanitation around abattoirs but also create businesses, generate employment and increase operators’ income.

The workshop was attended by operators of abattoirs and slaughterhouses from across Lagos State.