There are like a million out there asking why do we currently as a nation have “no Meat Hygienic Act” to regulate the operations of abattoir/slaughterhouses in the country? Reports indicate that a measly number of states have laws to regulate abattoir operations in their states but why the challenges of effective implementation?

According to the ‘’Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) ’’, there are only three(3) standard abattoirs certified by VCN in Nigeria. Next question comes up: why only three(3)? Why do some critics still disagree to the ‘’standard’’ status of these three(3) certified abattoirs in Nigeria by VCN? Could it be as a result of their personal and daily abattoir experiences in these states? We shall find out further in our discourse below.

Current reports indicate that the Federal Government is about passing into law a ‘’Meat Hygiene Bill” to regulate abattoir operations in the country. As a Group, we thank Mr. President and the ‘’Law Makers’’ for responding to the prolonged yearnings of the people and we consider this a very laudable action. However, we urge our beloved and honorable law makers to quickly pass this into law.

You might want to ask why the hurry to do so? This is primarily for the health and consumption safety of Nigerians who perhaps are consuming “likely unwholesome meat” from those substandard abattoirs somewhere in the country while reading this article now! According to a figure released by the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, in 2014 that "Nigerians consumed 360,000 tonnes of beef in a year, as of May 2014, with a projection that the figure would likely increase to 1.3 million tonnes by 2050". This alarmingly indicates how much Nigerians consume beef, and how fast the bill should be passed into law to promote thorough meat inspection and best hygiene standards across abattoirs in the country in line with international best abattoir hygiene practices.

The above should disturb anyone who loves this country and our people! Another important reason shows up next: in most states, there are inadequate legal backing for Veterinary Doctors to carry out their responsibility of enforcing hygiene standards in abattoir operations nationwide. This was learnt from the Registrar, Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr Marcus Avong.

Do we have adequate number of Veterinary Doctors in Nigeria to enforce hygiene standards in Nigerian abattoir? Unfortunately Nigeria has inadequate number of Veterinary Doctors in comparison with over 150 million population in the country! This was disclosed by the Chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Mobolaji Alao in a chat with a Punch Newspaper Correspondent.

Do we have strong abattoir accreditation process? Unfortunately, Nigeria urgently needs to fortify her process of accrediting or certifying abattoir/slaughterhouses in the country. In this light, there are reports that processes are ongoing to amend the Veterinary Surgeon Act. Though a welcome and commendable move but this has to be expedited to boost food (meat) safety across the country before major health incidents are recorded or deadly epidemic breaks out.

Do we have adequate abattoir equipment, facilities and infrastructure? Do we have minimum sanitary and hygiene standards in abattoirs across the country? There are a million burning questions and we shall find answers as we progress further.

The above facts and burning questions are very disturbing and worrisome! They do require urgent action and answers in the best interest of the consuming public!

However as a lover of this country, our people and the government, we shall further discuss these issues constructively: addressing the unhygienic practices & conditions, the effects, the causes, and drawing solutions/recommendations on “How to Improve Hygiene Standards in abattoirs/Slaughterhouses across Nigeria’’.

To learn more, follow links below:

http://blog.africahsegroup.com/how-to-improve-nigerias-abattoir-hygiene-standards-the-introduction/

http://blog.africahsegroup.com/how-to-improve-nigerias-abattoir-hygiene-standards-the-unhygienic-practices-conditions/

http://blog.africahsegroup.com/how-to-improve-nigerias-abattoir-hygiene-standards-the-effects-of-very-poor-hygiene-practices-conditions/

http://blog.africahsegroup.com/how-to-improve-nigerias-abattoir-hygiene-standards-the-causes-of-poor-hygiene-practices/

http://blog.africahsegroup.com/how-to-improve-nigerias-abattoir-hygiene-standards-our-recommended-solutions/


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