The Lagos State Government in Southwestern Nigeria has lifted the closure of Alaba Rago Market in Ojo following its recent shutdown due to various environmental violations.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed this development in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.
Wahab explained that the market was allowed to reopen after meeting certain conditions required for the reopening of markets in the state.
He used the opportunity to urge all markets to prioritize cleanliness and adhere to environmental standards, emphasizing that the state authorities would continue to take action against markets that fail to maintain cleanliness.
“The state government has reopened Alaba Rago Market, Ojo, after it was sealed due to serious environmental violations and negligence. We want to appeal to other markets to take cleanliness seriously in order to make the state cleaner and more habitable for all,” Wahab stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental standards throughout the state. Wahab also stressed that the reopening of Alaba Rago Market should serve as a reminder to all market stakeholders about the importance of cleanliness and sanitation.
Commenting on the reopening, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts between market authorities, traders, and relevant government agencies in maintaining a clean and healthy market environment.
Gbadegesin stressed that the reopening should not be interpreted as a leniency toward environmental violations, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding such infractions.
He further noted that the market plays a crucial role in achieving environmental sustainability across the state.