The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it would soon remove all shanties at Oko Oba abattoir to ensure a healthy and hygienic environment.

Mr Oluwatoyin Suarau, State Commissioner for Agriculture, disclosed this during an interactive session with the butchers and other stakeholders at the abattoir.

Suarau said the meeting was to discuss the modalities of the proposed upgrade and rehabilitation of the abattoir, to give it a befitting status a mega city market deserves.

He urged the stakeholders to give maximum support to the government to ensure a successful implementation of the project.

“Government’s motive is to improve the hygienic condition of the abattoir and not to hunt anyone, and we should not see this project as a government instrument to disrupt the activities of the market.

The removal of the shanties will start soon and all occupants should ensure that they remove all their valuables and move to the area temporarily provided for them pending the completion of the project.

“By the time this project is completed, it will usher in a mega city equipped abattoir, with a standby clinic within the complex to take care of the health of workers and other emergencies in the abattoir.

“As we speak, the government has completed the fencing of the abattoir and the heap of refuse which has existed for several years has been cleared,“he said.

Suarau urged the stakeholders to support government`s efforts by pointing out illegal occupants of the abattoir to restore sanity to the entire market.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Olayiwole Onasanya said the upgrading of the market was essential to help the government monitor and enhance safety.

According to him, the Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration has food security and hygienic environment on the front burner.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Alhaji Musa Dogonkadai commended the state government for its inclusive style of governance by carrying them along in the development processes.