THE Lagos State Government has reopened the Alaba International Market and several marketplaces within the Trade Fair Complex, all of which are located in the state’s Ojo Local Government Area.
The state authorities ordered the closing of the market days ago because of illegal trash disposal and other environmental violations.
Tokunbo Wahab, the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, stated today that the markets had reopened after most of the environmental issues had been addressed.
He went on to say that the shutdown was not politically motivated but rather a precaution to ensure a clean and healthy atmosphere around the commercial premises.
He said, “The decision to reopen the markets follows a rigorous assessment and implementation of stringent environmental standards. 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 people.
“I want to state emphatically that the closure of those markets has no ethnic or political motives behind it, as it was done to ensure cleanliness and environmental sustainability for the good of all residents.”
Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), further stated that the agency worked closely with market stakeholders to ensure that the necessary improvements were taken to fulfill required environmental standards.
He said, “We have standards that each market in the state has to comply with, to make our business environment clean and healthy for both buyers and sellers. These include but are not limited to proper containerisation of waste within the markets; procurement of double dino bins and placement in designated areas within the markets; engagement of bin keepers to monitor and sanitise the bins and their surroundings; zero tolerance for open burning of waste and zero tolerance for dumping of waste in the drainage channels.
“Others are the engagement of market policing personnel to monitor the sanitation of the market, setbacks, medians and its surroundings to avoid indiscriminate dumping and apprehend violators; eradication of street trading on the road and median setbacks, which obstructs the free flow of traffic and full payment of all outstanding tariffs.”
While emphasizing that any violation will result in not only a fine but also a closure, Gbadegesin urged residents and business owners to demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability through proper waste disposal and adherence to state environmental laws in order to avoid such closures that could negatively impact business activities.
