The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has shut down two abattoirs in Jos North Local Government Area over persistent violations of hygiene and sanitation standards, despite repeated engagements with their operators
The affected facilities-Ball and Gadan Ganda abattoirs were closed following a routine inspection exercise by the Agency. The Director-General of PEPSA, Mr. Samuel Dapiya, ordered the immediate suspension of operations after the abattoirs were found to be operating under conditions that pose serious risks to public health and the environment.
According to PEPSA, the inspection revealed that the abattoirs lacked basic infrastructure required for safe and hygienic meat processing. Key deficiencies included the absence of a reliable clean water supply, poor waste disposal and drainage systems, and generally unhygienic operating environments. The Agency also observed that improper waste management practices at the facilities were contributing to the contamination of surface and groundwater in nearby communities.
Of particular concern was the discovery that contaminated water was being used to wash slaughtered animals, a practice that significantly increases health risks to consumers.
PEPSA emphasized that the operation of illegal and substandard abattoirs will not be tolerated under any circumstances, noting that meat processed in such environments poses a serious threat to public health and undermines efforts to protect the environment and ensure public safety.
Following the closures, the Agency disclosed plans to convene another meeting with the leadership of the affected abattoirs to discuss corrective measures. These may include relocating their operations to the Jos Main Abattoir, where adequate infrastructure, proper sanitary facilities, and regulatory oversight are available.
The Agency also urged members of the public to support its efforts by ensuring that meat purchased for consumption is sourced only from approved and hygienic abattoirs.
PEPSA reaffirmed its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to eliminate unhygienic abattoir practices and to promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier Plateau State.
