The Lagos State Government has directed the reopening of Oke Arin/Gorodom Market in Lagos Island on Monday, following an agreement signed by traders to uphold environmental cleanliness. Additionally, a 48-hour quit notice was issued to traders operating under the Idumota Ebute/Ero Police Post for illegal stall erection.
Government's Directives and Environmental Concerns
The directives were issued by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection tour of Lagos Island markets, which had been shut down for over two weeks due to violations of the state's environmental laws.
During the inspection, Wahab emphasized the dangers posed by indiscriminate stall attachments under the Idumota/Ebute Ero Police Post overhead, which contributed to environmental hazards and public health risks. He urged all traders to prioritize cleanliness to prevent disease outbreaks.
The markets had been sealed due to the illegal conversion of Iga Modile, Gorodom, Bombata, Olusi, and Alagbafo drainage channels into lock-up shops and buildings, leading to flooding and sanitation issues. Wahab stressed that reopening the markets would only be permitted under strict adherence to sanitation regulations.
Conditions for Market Reopening
Traders along the reestablished drainage channels must sign an undertaking to:
- Take ownership of market infrastructure.
- Enforce environmental sanitation.
- Prevent indiscriminate waste dumping.
- Ensure proper waste disposal using PSP operators.
Wahab urged traders to maintain good hygiene practices, warning that poor sanitation contributes to the spread of cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrheal diseases. He also reiterated the ban on Styrofoam, noting that some traders still litter the market with the prohibited material.
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Sealing of Kabaran Global Truck Park and Other Enforcement Actions
During the inspection, Wahab ordered the immediate sealing of Kabaran Global Nigeria - Apongbon Truck Park on Adeniji-Adele Road, following multiple ignored abatement notices. The space has been allocated to a road construction contractor set to begin work on the area.
Additionally, a shopping complex under construction along Adeniji Adele Road was sealed due to the illegal dumping of building materials on roads and drainage channels, which obstructs water flow. Wahab warned developers against such practices.
Call for Collective Responsibility
Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, urged Lagos residents to take responsibility for sanitation, stating that waste management is a collective duty and traders must dispose of waste in designated locations.
Representing market traders, Alhaja Basirat Owolewa, speaking on behalf of the Iyaloja of Gorodom Market, expressed appreciation for the government's efforts in clearing blocked drainage channels. She assured that traders would promote and enforce proper sanitation moving forward.
This latest enforcement drive underscores the Lagos State Government's commitment to environmental sustainability and public health, ensuring that markets operate under safe and hygienic conditions.
