Why LASG Shut Down Mile 12, Owode Onirin Markets

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has once again wielded the big stick in implementing its zero tolerance for filth in markets.

On Friday, it shut down the Mile 12 International and Owode Onirin markets.

Mile 12 International market  plays host to perishable goods in Lagos State. But the Government shut it down over filth, unhygienic state and various environmental infractions.

The Lagos State Ministry of Environment in a joint operation carried out by enforcement officers from Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, and Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps, LAGESC popularly known as Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, on the directives of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources,  Tokunbo Wahab shut down the Market till further notice.

Speaking on the operation, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Wahab, insisted on zero tolerance for filth in all markets in the state, stressing that no one would be spared if found wanting.

He underscored the importance of stringent sanitation measures in Lagos markets, noting that cleanliness and adherence to environmental regulations were essential for a healthy city.

He said, “Recent events at Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets have brought to light the pressing need for strict adherence to sanitation standards in our markets. The closure, though a difficult decision, is a necessary step to address the prevailing environmental challenges and to ensure the safety and well-being of all stakeholders.

The closure of Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets will enable the stakeholders  assess the situation, improve public health and environmental sanity around those axis. Conditions in the markets have deteriorated  to a point where immediate intervention became inevitable”.

Wahab emphasised that the enforcement action was not an isolated event, but part of a broader strategy to instill a culture of cleanliness and compliance with environmental regulations across board for markets within the state.

He urged traders and customers to prioritise hygiene and sustainable practices in their daily business activities.

He further hinted that safety audit personnel would be deployed to the market, to assess the situation, before any consideration for reopening, warning other markets to toe the line of cleanliness and environmental hygiene, to avoid severe sanctions.

The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, on his part, noted that the markets were closed for very severe unhygienic conditions and a litany of environmental infractions, adding that the closure was necessary, to protect the health of the public and to ensure it was properly cleaned up and sanitised.

The LAWMA boss stated that the Lagos State Government would not relent in enforcing sanitation and environmental regulations, especially around business facilities, urging markets in the state to support government’s efforts, by complying with laws and regulations, aimed at making the city cleaner and livable for all.

For weeks now, the Ministry of Environment and LAWMA has been taking necessary actions in making sure that cleanliness becomes the norms in markets all over the State.

Some Markets were shut down and reopened after certain measures were put in place, while some markets are still under key and lock till date.