Dr Oluwabukola Aluko, Coordinating Director, Osun State Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Youth Engagement, has announced that butchers operating in the state would henceforth pay levy to the government.

Aluko, who made the announcement in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Osogbo, said that the payment of the levy would commence from April 1.

He said that each cow slaughtered as meat for consumption in the state would attract N1, 000 levy while each sheep, goat, pig and other animals would attract N200 levy.

He said that the decision to introduce the levy was reached after an interactive session between Gov. Rauf Aregbesola and butchers association in the state.

“All animals meant for public consumption including animals for ceremonies henceforth must be slaughtered only at government approved slaughter slabs.”

He urged butchers and canteen operators to cooperate with meat inspectors from the Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry in order to ensure that meat for public consumption are inspected.

The Director also called on butchers to cooperate with the government in its efforts to develop the state, warning that appropriate penalties await anybody who violates the new policy. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Aregbesola.