By : Lanre Shodimu
As demand for rams and other livestock rises ahead of Eid-el-Kabir, the Lagos State Government has moved to regulate seasonal livestock trading activities to protect public health, maintain environmental sanitation and promote orderly agricultural marketing across the state.
The Lagos State Government has warned traders against displaying and selling rams and other livestock on highways, road medians and other unauthorised public spaces during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning during a media parley held at Alausa, according to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.
Wahab stated that while livestock trading remains an important aspect of the Sallah season and contributes significantly to the agricultural value chain, such activities must be conducted in approved locations that do not obstruct traffic or threaten environmental safety.
“While it is not unusual for traders to take advantage of the season to market and sell livestock animals, it must be done without defacing the state or compromising the wellness and well-being of Lagosians,” he said.
He reminded traders and residents that the state’s law against street trading remained in force and stressed that the government would not tolerate the display and sale of rams or other livestock on major highways, road medians, lay-bys, parks and gardens.
The commissioner also appealed to Muslim faithful and livestock traders to properly dispose of animal waste and other refuse generated during the festivities by bagging them appropriately and depositing them at designated collection points for evacuation by the Lagos Waste Management Authority.
According to Wahab, maintaining proper sanitation during the festive period is critical to safeguarding public health, preserving the environment and ensuring sustainable urban agricultural commerce.
He assured residents that the ministry and LAWMA remained committed to keeping the state clean through continuous waste evacuation and environmental monitoring.
Wahab further warned against illegal erection of stalls, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and other environmental violations, stressing that regulatory and enforcement measures would be strictly applied against offenders.
He urged residents to celebrate responsibly and support the government’s efforts toward environmental sustainability and safer livestock marketing practices during the Eid-el-Kabir season.
