Hon. Abiodun Babalola Ph.D Moves Motion to Standardise Akinyele Central Abattoir for Improved Food Hygiene in Oyo State

Hon. Abiodun O. Babalola, Ph.D, representing Ibadan North-East State Constituency I at the Oyo State House of Assembly, has moved a motion calling for the standardisation and urgent upgrade of the Oyo State Central Abattoir located at Akinyele, in a bid to strengthen food hygiene and protect public health across the state.

The motion, titled “Motion for the Standardisation of Oyo State Central Abattoir for Improved Food Hygiene and Public Health Safety,” was co-sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. E.A. Ogundoyin (Ibarapa East), Hon. A.M. Fadeyi (Ona-Ara), Hon. S.A. Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), Hon. O.A. Omikunle (Ibadan South-East II), Hon. M.O. Abiola (Akinyele I), and Hon. P.G. Ojedokun (Ibarapa North/Central).

While presenting the motion at plenary, Hon. Babalola noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have consistently identified poorly managed abattoirs as major contributors to foodborne diseases globally, stressing that unsafe meat processing and handling are linked to an estimated 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths annually.

He described the Akinyele Central Abattoir as the principal slaughter and meat distribution hub for Ibadan and adjoining communities, supplying significant volumes of beef daily to markets, restaurants, and households across Oyo State. He stated that findings from an assessment conducted during a visit by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security to the facility on January 28, 2026, corroborated a broader state-level study which documented inadequate water supply, poor drainage systems, limited ante-mortem inspections outside major abattoirs, and infrastructural deficits across slaughter slabs in the state.

The lawmaker further referenced research within Oyo State indicating that water used in slaughter slabs for washing carcasses is critical to hygiene, but has been found to be contaminated with pathogenic organisms, including Vibrio cholerae, posing direct risks of carcass contamination and possible transmission of disease to humans.

He also cited microbiological assessments of the Akinyele Central Abattoir which revealed wide bacterial contamination, including Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus, on critical surfaces such as floors, soil, drains, and water sources, pointing to compromised hygiene conditions at the facility.

According to him, studies in Ibadan have shown that informal meat marketing and handling practices contribute significantly to microbial contamination of raw meat sold in open markets, underscoring the urgent public health importance of strengthening hygiene control systems in formal slaughter facilities. He added that research in the region also documented a high prevalence of haemoparasite infections such as Babesia, Theileria, and Anaplasma in cattle presented for slaughter, warning that without proper veterinary inspection protocols, such conditions could compromise animal health and heighten the risk of transmission.

Hon. Babalola noted that consumer studies in Ibadan revealed high levels of awareness regarding contamination risks associated with beef sold in open markets, adding that the vast majority of residents expressed willingness to pay a premium for certified safe beef—an indication that improved standards would align with public expectations and generate economic value for the meat supply chain in the state.

He observed that systematic research has consistently identified poor veterinary inspection practices, absence of cooling facilities, inadequate cleaning routines, and waste mismanagement as recurrent challenges affecting beef quality and public safety in Oyo State abattoirs.

Consequently, the House resolved to urge the Executive Arm of Government to immediately engage in technical assessment, rehabilitation and upgrade of the mechanical slaughter slab and associated infrastructure at the Akinyele Central Abattoir to restore hygienic and efficient operations.

The lawmakers also urged the government to mandate compulsory ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections, including laboratory-based testing of all cattle by certified veterinary officers before approval for human consumption. They further called for structured partnerships between the abattoir management and accredited professional companies in veterinary services, mechanical engineering, food hygiene, and environmental waste management.

In addition, the House urged the institutionalisation of modern hygienic facilities such as waste treatment plants, potable water systems, cold rooms, sanitary slaughter and processing areas, and functional drainage networks, while calling for their continuous maintenance and upgrade.

The House also urged relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, particularly Health, Agriculture, Environment, and Veterinary Services, to intensify routine inspection, monitoring, enforcement, and certification of abattoir operations in line with national regulations and international best practices.

Hon. Babalola concluded the presentation by stressing that the motion was aimed at safeguarding public health, improving food hygiene standards, and restoring public confidence in the safety of meat consumed across Oyo State, before formally moving the motion for adoption.