Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s led government of Lagos State has reopened Alaba International Market and some markets at the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo.
Lagos State Government had earlier shut down the markets over poor waste disposal, failure to pay waste bills, and other environmental violations.
In a statement, however, on Saturday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the decision to reopen the markets was made after a thorough evaluation and implementation of strict environmental standards.
He further clarified that the markets were reopened only after the environmental concerns had been resolved, dismissing any suggestions of political motives behind the closure. Wahab emphasized that the temporary closure of the market was a necessary measure to ensure a clean and healthy environment in the vicinity of commercial establishments.
“I state emphatically that the closure of those markets had no ethnic or political motives as it was done to ensure cleanliness and environmental sustainability for the good of all residents.
“These standards were set to guarantee that businesses in the state operate in a manner that is not detrimental to the environment and the well-being of the people,’ Wahab said.
He reiterated the significance of maintaining a harmonious balance between commerce and environmental health, adding that the enforcement would be continuous as the government would not hesitate to seal any market or corporate facility found wanting.
Commenting on the reopening of the markets, Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said it worked with market officials to ensure the attainment of environmental standards. He said it was important for markets to operate in a manner that was economically viable and environmentally responsible.
“We have standards that each market in the state has to comply with to make our business environment clean and healthy for buyers and sellers.
“These include proper waste management, zero tolerance for open burning of waste, and zero tolerance for dumping of wastes in the drainage channels. Others are the engagement of market policing personnel to monitor market sanitation, and observance of distance from road setbacks, medians, and market surroundings to avoid indiscriminate dumping.
“We must also ensure the eradication of street trading and trading on road medians and shoulders, which obstruct the free flow of traffic.
“Tariffs must also be fully paid as any violation of the stated regulations would attract penalties and possible subsequent closure of offending markets,’’ he said.
Gbadegesin urged users and business owners to show commitment to environmental sustainability through proper waste disposal and adherence to environmental laws to prevent market closures.
