The Lagos State administration, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reopened the Alaba International Market as well as a few other markets at the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo.
According to information obtained, the Lagos State Government had previously closed the markets due to improper waste management, unpaid waste invoices, and other environmental infractions.
Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner for the environment and water resources, however, said in a statement on Saturday that the decision to reopen the markets was made following a careful assessment and the application of stringent environmental standards.
He went on to say that the markets weren’t reopened until the environmental issues had been addressed, rejecting any notion that there were political reasons for the closure. Wahab underlined that in order to maintain a clean and healthy environment near commercial establishments, the market’s temporary closure was a necessary measure.
Rejecting any idea that the closure had political undertones, he continued by saying that the markets weren’t reopened until the environmental issues had been resolved. Wahab emphasized that the market’s temporary closure was an essential step in maintaining a clean and healthy environment near commercial establishments.
He emphasized the need of upholding a harmonious balance between business and environmental health and said that enforcement would continue since the government would not think twice about closing any corporate facilities or markets that were deemed to be deficient.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the managing director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, commented on the reopening of the markets and stated that the organization 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 certain standards in order to maintain a hygienic and salubrious business environment for both vendors and consumers.
“These include proper waste management, discarding waste in drainage channels, and having zero tolerance for waste burning in the open. The use of market policing officers to keep an eye on cleanliness in the marketplace and keeping a safe distance from medians, road setbacks, and the surrounding area to prevent careless dumping are two more.
Additionally, since street trading and trading on shoulders and medians of roads impede traffic flow, we must see to it that these practices are eliminated.
“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 stated.
In order to avoid market closures, Gbadegesin urged customers and business owners to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability by disposing of waste properly and abiding by environmental regulations.
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