The crave for meat has consistently been on the rise in Lagos state, as statistics now show that over 8,000 animals (cows, goats, pigs) have been slaughtered so far in 2014.
In 2011, about 4,000 animals were slaughtered, this is doubled by the 2014 figures which has already recorded over 8,000 animals – 2,000 cows, while 6,000 comprise of goats and pigs.
This is, however, aside imported processed meat mainly by top ranking hotels which further narrows the demand gap.
Yaqub Basorun, the permanent secretary in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated that the increase in meat consumption rate is as a result of population increase.
He established a nexus in population demographics which favour younger people who consume more meat than the older citizens – 50 years and above. Basorun also linked the development to improved hygienic condition of approved slaughter slabs in Lagos, which presently has 11 approved – the major being Oko-Oba Abattoir where most of the animals in the state are slaughtered.
“There is consistent effort by the government to see to improved hygienic conditions of all our approved slaughter slabs. We have a committee consisting of officials and stakeholders in meat distribution chain who daily monitor to ensure that standards set by the government regarding meat slaughtering are strictly adhered to.
Our records over the last five years show that more people are now consuming meat because they see that measures adopted by the government are working,” he said.
The permanent secretary listed such measures to include the introduction of the refrigerated Eko Meat Van which, according to him, apart from ensuring that what is conveyed is not exposed, helps keep the meat fresh from slaughtering to delivery for consumption.
He said over 200 of the refrigerated vans are in operation. Lagos is the most populated city in Africa with an estimated population of 21 million people.
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