Following full compliance with environmental standards and safety measures earlier listed as preconditions for reopening shut markets, Lagos State Government, yesterday, ordered immediate reopening of Ladipo automobile and Mile 12 International Markets.
The markets were shut following environmental infractions. In announcing the reopening, yesterday, the state government said the market has met the most critical conditions that bordered on the environment and public health, while expediting action on other necessary areas, in line with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources observation.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the market was reopened after a thorough assessment, covering various aspects of environmental compliance, waste management practices, and general cleanliness within the market, involving a collaborative effort between Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the market stakeholders.
He noted that issues critical to the environment, public health and safety, were not negotiable, as the government would not watch helplessly as those values were compromised and eroded by the conduct of few people.
He urged the traders to play by the rules of acceptable standards, putting premium on hygiene for their health and that of the public, stressing that the government will not shy away from shutting down any market that returns to old filthy ways.
Speaking, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public safety, especially around market facilities in the state.
He said: “The temporary closure of Mile 12 market was essential to address observed environmental issues. Our aim is to ensure that all markets in Lagos, including Mile 12, operate in line with environmental regulations, creating a safer and healthier trading environment for everyone involved.
The LAWMA boss charged traders at the market to show total commitment to the environmental laws of the state, to pave the way for a cleaner and healthier environment for both the traders and their customers.
ALSO, to achieve an organised market as well as food security sustainability, the Environmental Health Directorate, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in collaboration with Local Councils Environmental Health Officers, has taken its market hygiene advocacy to market leaders and traders across local councils and Local Council Development Area (LCDAs) within the state.
Some of the markets visited; include Aiyetoro Market, Epe, Idi-Orogbo Market, Ibeju-Lekki, Oyingbo Market, Ebute-Metta, Aguda Market, Surulere, Iyana-Ipaja Market Complex, Ipodo Market, Ikeja among others.
Addressing market leaders during 2023 edition of a sensitisation programme held simultaneously in the markets, Supervisor for Environment, Epe Local Council, Hon. Tunde Fuad Odupe, representing the Chairman, Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, said the Epe community markets should be clean always, while a hygienic food handling process must be maintained to ensure socio-economic wellbeing.
Responding, the Iyaloja General, Lagos Mainland, Alhaja Sikirat Sule, represented by Vice-Iyaloja, Alhaja Olaleju Muhammed, assured traders’ commitment to keep the market clean.
According to her, there are social behaviours that impact the aesthetic of the environment, which includes improper display and storage of foods and food items, Indiscriminate dumping of refuse, adding that the emerging epidemic and pandemic threats that confront humanity have links to markets.
Muhammed appealed to market leaders and traders to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation all the time to make the market environment a befitting place to trade.
Similarly, Deputy Director, Environmental Health Services (HOD) Environmental Services Department, Lagos Mainland Local Council, Sanitarian Qudirat Aramide Pedro, who spoke on behalf of the council boss, Hon. Omolola Rashidat Essien at Oyingbo Market, frowned at indiscriminate refuse disposal in the market. She urged market women and men to ensure proper management and disposal of their waste.
