The Lagos State Government has officially reopened Alaba Rago Market in Ojo, which was closed last week due to various environmental violations. This decision was confirmed by Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, in a statement issued on Monday.
Wahab stated that the market was allowed to resume operations after fulfilling some of the conditions set for reopening markets that had been sealed due to environmental concerns. He emphasised the importance of cleanliness and adherence to environmental standards, cautioning that the state would continue to take action against dirty markets.
“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 cleanliness seriously to make the state cleaner and more livable for all,” said Wahab.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental standards throughout the state and urged all market stakeholders to place a high value on cleanliness and sanitation.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, also commented on the reopening. He stressed the significance of collaboration between market authorities, traders, and relevant government agencies in maintaining a clean and healthy market environment. Gbadegesin emphasised that the reopening should not be misconstrued as a leniency towards environmental infractions, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration maintained a zero-tolerance policy in this regard.
He further noted that markets played a crucial role in achieving environmental sustainability across the state.
