Alaba International Market has reopened, and on Saturday the Lagos State Government shuttered many markets at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo due to improper trash management and other environmental violations.
“The choice to reopen the markets was made after a thorough evaluation and the application of strict environmental regulations,” stated Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, in a statement.
He denied suggestions that the closure was motivated by politics, emphasising that the markets were reopened following resolution of the environmental concerns.
He emphasised that the market’s closure was a measure adopted to provide a hygienic and safe environment around commercial buildings.
“I firmly declare that there were no political or ethnic motivations behind the closure of those markets; rather, it was done to maintain environmental sustainability and cleanliness for the benefit of all locals.
“These guidelines were established to ensure that companies operating within the state do not negatively impact the environment or the health of the populace,” Wahab stated.
He underlined how important it is to keep trade and environmental health in a harmonious balance.
He declared that as long as a market or business facility was proved to be deficient, the government would not think twice about sealing it.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the managing director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, commented on the reopening of the markets and stated that the organisation collaborates with market officials to guarantee that environmental standards are met.
According to him, it’s critical that markets function in an environmentally and commercially sustainable manner.
“Every market in the state is required to adhere to our guidelines in order to maintain a hygienic and salubrious business environment for both vendors and consumers.
These include appropriate waste management, the incineration of waste in the open, and the disposal of waste in drainage channels.
“Others include using market policing officers to keep an eye on cleanliness in the marketplace and keeping a safe distance from medians, road setbacks, and other market areas to prevent careless dumping.
“We also have to make sure that street dealing and trade on shoulders and medians of roads are eliminated since they impede the free flow of traffic.
“Tariffs must also be paid in full because any infraction of the specified regulations may result in fines and the closure of the offending markets,” he warned.
In order to avoid market closures, Gbadegesin advised customers and company owners to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability by disposing of waste properly and abiding by environmental regulations.
