Alaba International and Trade Fair Markets Back in Business After Environmental Cleanup by Lagos State Government

The Lagos State Government has reopened the Alaba International Market and some markets at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, after they were shut down for some days over poor waste management and other environmental violations.

The Environment and Water Resources Commissioner, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said in a statement that the markets were reopened after a thorough assessment and enforcement of strict environmental standards. He also denied any ethnic or political agenda behind the closure, saying it was for the sake of cleanliness and environmental protection for all residents.

“These standards are meant to ensure that businesses in the state operate in a way that does not harm the environment or the health of the people,” Wahab said. He said that the closure was part of an ongoing exercise and that the government would not relent in sealing any market or corporate facility that failed to comply.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that the agency collaborated with the market stakeholders to make sure that they made the necessary adjustments to meet the environmental standards. He said that it was vital for markets to operate in a manner that was both economically sustainable and environmentally friendly.

“We have standards that every market in the state has to abide by to keep our business environment neat and safe for both buyers and sellers,” he said. “These include, but are not limited to, proper containerization of waste within the markets, procurement of double dino bins and placement in designated areas within the markets, engagement of bin keepers to monitor and sanitise the bins and their surroundings, zero tolerance for open burning of waste, and zero tolerance for dumping of waste in the drainage channels.”

He also mentioned other measures such as the engagement of market policing personnel to monitor the sanitation of the market, setbacks, medians, and its surroundings to prevent indiscriminate dumping and arrest offenders, the eradication of street trading and trading on road medians and shoulders, which hinder the free flow of traffic, and the payment of tariffs, as any breach of the regulations would attract penalties and the possible subsequent closure of erring markets.

He appealed to users and business owners to demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability through proper waste disposal and obedience to environmental laws to avoid market closures.