The Lagos State Government has reopened Alaba Rago Market, Ojo, having met some of the conditions set for reopening sealed markets in the state, following its closure last week for various environmental infractions.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who visited the market on Sunday for assessment, was accompanied by the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr. Gaji Omobolaji; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, and Chairman of Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Shola Jejeloye.
The commissioner said the market was reopened after meeting set sanitation compliance conditions, calling on all markets to prioritise cleanliness and adhere to environmental standards, as the state would continue to clamp down on filthy markets.
He said: “The state government has opened Alaba Rago Market, Ojo, after it was sealed for gross environmental infractions and negligence. We want to appeal to other markets to take seriously the issue of cleanliness, to make the state cleaner and livable for all”.
Mr. Wahab reaffirmed government’s commitment to enforcing environmental standards across the state, emphasising that the reopening of Alaba Rago Market should serve as a clarion call to all market stakeholders to place premium value on cleanliness and sanitation.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between market authorities, traders, and relevant government agencies in maintaining a clean and healthy market environment.
He noted that the reopening of the market should not be misconstrued as a leniency towards environmental infractions, as the zero tolerance policy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is still in effect, adding that markets play an important role in achieving environmental sustainability across the state.
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