₦airaland Forum

There are limitations as to what an individual can do or perform as an operation in their residential premises. Some individuals might think because they owe a house or their apartment means that they can do anything of their choice in the home. This is basically not true, anything that will cause detriment or impairment to the health of people in the community is not allowed to be done in our home.

The Public Health law of Nigeria makes provision for this, to curtain certain activity that is restricted or that can be performed in our homes. According to public Health Law of Nigeria Part II Section 6 Note E state that "any animal or bird so kept as to be injurious to the health of man or molesting to neighbours and any animal or bird suffering from a noxious or contagious disease" is considered as a nuisance and it is said to be injurious to public health and such is considered as nuisance.

This particular part clarifies the rearing animal or bird in a residential premises, that operation of such is liable to cause an outbreak of Zoonotic diseases, emanates obnoxious odour and likely to cause noise pollution, also flies infestation and for that effect such an operation needs to be evacuated from such residential premises to the outskirts of the town where all requirements and due process will be followed.

My advice would be, anyone that is interested in performing such an operation — poultry or piggery or as the case maybe should ensure they follow the due process and contact Sanitary Inspectors for further advice.

It is worthwhile to note that, rearing of animal or bird or as the case maybe in a residential premises for commercial purposes is gross violation of this section, individuals seeking to rear limited amount of animal for their personal benefit should seek the counsel of Environmental Health Officers in order to be informed about the standard and basic requirements to follow before they engage in such.

Please kindly beware that, "Ignorance of the law is no excuse. To be forewarned is to be forearmed."

A better society requires our collective efforts.


Day 4 of the writing challenge.
Anwo Sunday Adedeji
September 4, 2025