Residents Call for Urgent Upgrade of Gwagwalada Livestock Market Over Public Health Concerns
Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Residents of Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called for the urgent rehabilitation of the Anagada Livestock Market, citing poor sanitation and unhygienic meat processing practices that they say pose significant public health risks.
The appeal follows growing concerns over the condition of the market’s slaughterhouse, which residents described as unsuitable for processing meat intended for human consumption.
A visit to the facility revealed animals being slaughtered on waste-littered floors, while butchers were observed using burning tyres to roast animal skin, producing thick smoke that polluted the surrounding environment. Slaughtered meat was also reportedly washed with water from questionable sources.
A trader, Mrs Deborah Adiche, warned that the poor sanitary conditions could expose consumers to foodborne diseases.
“The way they handle meat here is very bad. Most times you see meat meant for human consumption on a dirty floor mixed with animal waste. Butchers also lack knowledge of standard handling, and sometimes they use motorcycles to transport the meat,” she said.
Adiche urged the relevant authorities to enforce stricter hygiene regulations, intensify sensitisation programmes for butchers, provide dedicated vehicles for meat transportation and construct a modern slaughterhouse equipped with a reliable water supply.
Public health expert Dr Emmanuel Ademola also warned that poor sanitation in slaughterhouses significantly increases the risk of meat contamination and the spread of infectious diseases.
He recommended regular veterinary inspections before and after slaughter, alongside strict enforcement of environmental and public health regulations.
Responding to the concerns, a market official, who requested anonymity, said the market management and the Area Council regularly sensitise butchers on proper hygiene practices, while veterinary officers routinely inspect livestock before processing.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwatobi Adu 