The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Mandilas Market for the next two days so that marketers can comply with its demand to remove illegal makeshift constructions placed on road setbacks within and around the market.
The closure notice was issued on Saturday as part of a joint inspection and enforcement exercise conducted by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, several law enforcement agencies, and other relevant government entities in charge of emergency situations.
The enforcement effort came after the state government’s 14-day self-removal notice to traders to remove their merchandise and shops from the roads, particularly around Mandalas on Lagos Island, expired.
During the monitoring exercise, the enforcement team was led by Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the Governor’s Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development; Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, his colleague in charge of the Central Business District; Nurudeen Sodehinde, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development; and Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of LASBCA.
Speaking on the rationale behind the extension, Babatunde explained that the extension of the initial ultimatum was meant to further give room for the affected shop owners to salvage their belongings and voluntarily remove obstructions erected on walkways.
He said, “With the level of non-compliance and lackadaisical attitude put up by the affected traders, the state government is fully ready to enforce compliance and removal where necessary upon the expiration of the new ultimatum given.”
On her part, the Special Adviser, Central Business District, said the clean-up exercise being embarked upon by the state government throughout the entire Lagos Island was in the interest and safety of the residents.
Olumegbon-Lawal lamented, “The rate of safety infractions being perpetrated within the Mandilas market including the erection of high capacity generating set on make-shift extensions on first, and second floors.”
While pleading for self-compliance from the affected shop owners to remove all illegal attachments and extensions, Olumegbon-Lawal stated that the state goovernment is desirous of achieving a saner, well-organised and clean city devoid of all forms of environmental nuisance.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Office of Urban Development, said the state government was sending strong a message to Lagosians to be law-abiding.
He added, “If the state government is forced to carry out the removal of the extensions and illegal structures, the affected persons would be compelled to pay for such exercise.
“Lagos is an urban state and this implies that there should be organisation and proper coordination in the way and manner we carry out our businesses and all our engagements.”
He assured Lagosians that the monitoring and enforcement of compliance with the ongoing cleanup would be sustained until total sanity is restored to Lagos Island.
The Lagos State Government had on January 29, 2024, given a 14-day ultimatum to traders occupying illegal structures in Lagos Island to evacuate.