The Lagos State Government has restored operations at the Alaba International Market and several markets within the Trade Fair Complex, all situated in the Ojo Local Government Area of the state.
A few days ago, the state government issued a directive to close these markets due to issues related to improper waste disposal and other environmental violations.
However, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in the state, Tokunbo Wahab, announced on Saturday that the markets were reopened after addressing the majority of the environmental concerns.
He further emphasized that the decision to close the markets was driven by environmental considerations and not influenced by political motives, to promote a clean and healthy environment in the vicinity of these commercial establishments.
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.”
Furthermore, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), stated that the agency collaborated closely with the stakeholders of the markets to facilitate the implementation of essential changes, ensuring compliance with the mandated 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 containerization 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 sanitize the bins and their surroundings; zero tolerance for open burning of waste and zero tolerance for the 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.”
Emphasizing that any breach would result in not just fines but also potential shutdowns, Gbadegesin encouraged residents and business proprietors to demonstrate their dedication to environmental sustainability. This can be achieved by responsibly managing waste and abiding by the state’s environmental regulations. Such cooperation is essential to prevent closures that could have adverse effects on business operations.