Lagos to turn abattoir waste into biogas, fertiliser

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing environmental pollution by promoting waste recovery and conversion of abattoir waste into useful products across the state.

This was contained in a statement on Friday signed by the spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Kunle Adeshina.

Adeshina noted that the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, disclosed this at a one-day workshop for abattoir operators held at ABIS Farmers Market, Ajah, Lagos.

The workshop, themed, “Red to Green: From Waste Disposal to Resource Recovery,” focused on sustainable waste management, public health protection and opportunities to create economic value from waste generated through slaughtering and meat-processing activities.

Tajudeen, who was represented by the Director, Public Sanitation Utility, Rahman Fagbolade, said abattoirs and slaughterhouses played an important role in the state’s food production system, supported livelihoods and contributed to economic activities.

He said slaughtering activities generated waste including blood, paunch and rumen contents, bones, horns, hooves, faecal matter and wastewater, warning that their improper management could result in pollution, poor sanitation, blocked drainage, offensive odours and public health concerns.

The permanent secretary said the state government would continue to ensure that abattoirs and slaughterhouses operated in line with established environmental and sanitation standards, stressing that sustainable compliance required continuous engagement, education and capacity building.

He said the workshop was designed to shift the focus from conventional waste disposal to resource recovery and waste-to-wealth initiatives.

According to him, blood, paunch and rumen contents, wastewater and faecal matter could be processed to produce biogas and organic fertiliser, while bones, horns and hooves could be processed for further value addition.

“When properly segregated, processed and managed, materials traditionally regarded as waste can become valuable resources that support enterprise development, job creation, additional income generation and the growth of a circular economy,” he said.

Tajudeen identified regulation, education, innovation and collaboration as key pillars for achieving sustainable waste management in the abattoir sector.

He urged operators to regard environmental compliance not only as a regulatory obligation but also as an investment in public health, consumer confidence and the sustainability of their businesses.

The permanent secretary also encouraged young people, farmers and other stakeholders to explore emerging opportunities in resource recovery and waste-to-wealth initiatives to create businesses, generate employment and support agricultural productivity.

He said achieving a cleaner and healthier Lagos required collective efforts from government, businesses, communities and individuals.

Tajudeen described the transition from “Red to Green” as a fundamental change in the perception and management of waste, saying the initiative sought to transform waste from an environmental burden into an economic opportunity.

He urged participants to share practical experiences, identify workable solutions and implement recommendations from the workshop, noting that the success of the initiative would be measured by actions taken after the event.

“The true measure of success for this initiative will not be today’s discussions alone, but the actions we take afterwards—in our abattoirs, slaughterhouses, farms, businesses and communities,” he said.

He appreciated the ABIS Group for supporting and hosting the workshop, expressing optimism that the initiative would improve sanitation and environmental sustainability while promoting the development of a circular economy in Lagos.

Speaking on “From By-products to Business: Unlocking the Economic Value of Bones, Horns, Hooves and Other Abattoir By-products,” the guest lecturer, Muyiwa Semowo, urged operators and other stakeholders to adopt innovative approaches to turn abattoir waste into economic opportunities.

Semowo said abattoir by-products could be processed into valuable materials for industries including agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and animal feed.

He encouraged operators to adopt proper segregation, handling and processing methods to improve the quality and market value of the materials.

Semowo added that adopting a circular economy approach would reduce environmental pollution and improve sanitation around abattoirs while creating businesses, generating employment and increasing operators’ income.

The workshop was attended by operators of abattoirs and slaughterhouses across Lagos State.