In a move to uphold environmental standards and sanitation, the Lagos State Government has taken the decision to temporarily close the bustling Alaba International Market. The announcement of this closure was made by the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, Tokunbo Wahab.
The gates of Alaba International Market were sealed on Monday, October 23, 2023, as a result of mounting concerns over poor waste disposal practices, non-payment of waste bills, and various environmental sanitation violations within the market premises.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab highlighted the reasons for this stern action, stating, “Alaba International Market, Ojo has been sealed up for poor waste disposal practices, failure to pay their waste bills, and gross environmental sanitation offences.”
The closure of Alaba International Market is the latest in a series of measures taken by the Lagos State government to address environmental issues and promote clean and hygienic market spaces.
Over the past few weeks, the government has temporarily shut down various markets in response to environmental offenses. However, these markets were subsequently reopened following thorough assessments of their adherence to the necessary regulations and standards.
Some of the other markets that faced temporary closures in this recent crackdown included Ladipo Market, Agbado Oke-Odo Market, Oyingbo Market, Alayabiagba Market, Alamutu (Ologede) Market, and sections of Tejuosho Market.
The Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasized that the decision to close these markets was taken after multiple warnings regarding their non-compliance with the state’s Environmental Protection Laws.
Gbadegesin further explained that despite LAWMA’s consistent efforts to enhance the environment, certain individuals and markets continued to disregard the laws and regulations designed to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in public spaces.
This recent closure of Alaba International Market is part of the ongoing initiative by the Lagos State Government to enforce environmental regulations, foster cleaner surroundings, and promote responsible waste management practices.
It’s important to note that the Lagos government has recently demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining environmental standards by temporarily sealing markets and demolishing illegal structures. Mile 12 International Market and the Owode Onirin Market along Ikorodu Road were among the earlier closures, driven by concerns related to indiscriminate waste disposal and environmental violations.
The decision to close Alaba International Market serves as a stark reminder to all businesses and individuals to adhere to environmental laws and contribute to the creation of a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment in Lagos.