The Lagos State Government has taken the decision to reopen the Alaba International Market and some markets within the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo.
The market was previously closed due to issues related to improper waste management and environmental infractions.
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, clarified that the reopening of these markets was not politically motivated but a strategic move to ensure a clean and healthy environment in and around business facilities.
Wahab stated: “The decision to reopen the markets followed rigorous assessment and implementation of stringent environmental standards. These standards were set to guarantee that businesses in the state operate in a manner that is not detrimental to the environment and the well-being of the people.”
Collaborating with market officials, the Lagos Waste Management Authority, led by Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, worked tirelessly to ensure that the necessary environmental standards were met.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between commerce and environmental health.
“We have standards that each market in the state has to comply with to make our business environment clean and healthy for buyers and sellers,”
Gbadegesin explained. “These include proper waste management, zero tolerance for open burning of waste, and zero tolerance for dumping of waste in drainage channels.”
Gbadegesin encouraged market users and business owners to commit to environmental sustainability through proper waste disposal, emphasizing that compliance with these standards is crucial to avoiding future market closures.
