Update: LASG Reopens Sealed Mile 12 Market

By Akinwale Kasali

After days of closure of the Mile 12 International market by the Lagos State Government, LASG, and the Ministry of Environment following environmental infractions, the Market has been reopened.

The reopening of the market followed a full compliance with environmental standards and safety measures earlier listed as precondition for reopening the shut markets.

The LASG 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.

Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, 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 Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, and the market stakeholders.

He noted that issues critical to the environment, public health and safety, were not negotiable, as government would not watch those values compromised and eroded by the conduct of few people.

“We cannot continue to be nonchalant about our environment. Our negative attitude towards the environment must stop. The way we treat the environment, is the way the environment treats us. We cannot fold our arms and allow the nonchalance of a few, affect the generality of the people.

“Despite several advocacy and public enlightenment, government is left with no choice than to enforce. The enforcement exercise will be a continuous one, as no Government takes delight in shutting down markets”, he said.

He implored the traders to play by the rules of acceptable standards, putting premium on hygiene for their health and that of the public, stressing that government will not shy away from shutting down any market that returns to old filthy ways.

In the same vein, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, 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.

We worked closely with Mile 12 Market traders and associations to implement corrective actions, including placement of dino bins, proper waste collection, disposal, employment of waste policing, bin keepers and payment for waste services, among others.”

The LAWMA boss charged traders at the market to show total commitment to the environmental laws of the state, to pave way for a cleaner and healthier environment for both the traders and their customers.

Owode Onirin Market which was also shut down alongside Mile 12 Markets is yet to be reopened as they are yet to meet the environmental standards set by the LASG.