The Lagos State Government has ordered the reopening of Oke Arin and Gorodom markets in Lagos Island, effective Monday, following the signing of an undertaking by traders to uphold environmental cleanliness.
Meanwhile, traders operating under the Idumota/Ebute Ero Police Post overhead have been issued a 48-hour quit notice for violating environmental regulations.
The directives were issued by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection tour of the markets. The markets had been shut for over two weeks due to traders’ disregard for state environmental laws.
Wahab emphasized the importance of environmental sanitation, warning that traders must maintain cleanliness to prevent the spread of diseases. He stated that shop owners and traders in the reopened markets must ensure proper waste disposal and avoid dumping refuse in drainage channels.
“The traders along the reestablished drainage channels will be required to sign an undertaking to take ownership of the infrastructure, enforce environmental sanitation, and ensure that waste bins are placed at designated points for easy evacuation by PSP operators,” Wahab said.
He further noted that the illegal conversion of drainage setbacks into stalls had blocked water flow, contributing to the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever.
Additionally, the Commissioner ordered the immediate sealing of Kabaran Global Nigeria – Apongbon Truck Park on Adeniji-Adele Road due to non-compliance with several abatement notices. The space has now been allocated for contractors handling road repairs in the area.
Wahab warned developers and residents against dumping building materials on roads and drainage channels, citing a newly sealed shopping complex along Adeniji Adele Road as an example of the government’s enforcement efforts.
Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, reiterated that maintaining a clean environment is a collective responsibility. He urged traders to dispose of their waste properly and adhere to sanitation regulations.
In response, Alhaja Basirat Owolewa, who spoke on behalf of the Iyaloja of Gorodom Market, expressed gratitude to the government for clearing blocked drainage channels. She assured authorities that traders would prioritize sanitation and comply with environmental laws.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the inspection tour by key government officials, including the Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretaries Dr. Gaji Omobolaji and Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; MD of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; GM of LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi; and KAI Corps Marshall, Major Olatubosun Cole (Rtd).
