Lagos Plans Biogas, Fertiliser From Abattoir Waste

Lagos State says it wants abattoirs and slaughterhouses to turn more of their waste into useful products such as biogas and organic fertiliser.

The plan was discussed at a one-day workshop for abattoir operators at ABIS Farmers Market, Ajah. The workshop focused on moving from routine waste disposal to resource recovery, with state officials linking the plan to sanitation, pollution control and public health.

Dr Gaji Tajudeen, the permanent secretary in the Office of Environmental Services, was represented by the Director of Public Sanitation Utility, Rahman Fagbolade. He said abattoirs support food supply and livelihoods, but also generate blood, rumen contents, bones, horns, hooves, faecal matter and wastewater.

Officials warned that poor handling of those materials can pollute the environment, block drains, create odour problems and raise public-health risks. The state said blood, rumen contents, wastewater and faecal matter can be processed into biogas and fertiliser, while bones, horns and hooves can be used for other products.

Lagos said enforcement alone would not be enough and urged operators to treat environmental compliance as part of protecting consumer confidence and keeping their businesses sustainable.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard