The Lagos State Government has ordered the reopening of Mile 12 International Market after it was sealed on Friday for environmental infractions.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said the market was reopened after a thorough assessment showed that the traders had complied with the government’s environmental standards and safety measures.

“Following full compliance with environmental standards and safety measures earlier listed as a precondition for reopening shut markets, the Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate reopening of Mile 12 International Market.

“Despite several advocacies and public Enlightenment, the government is left with no choice but to enforce. The enforcement exercise will be a continuous one, as no Government takes delight in shutting down markets,” Wahab said

Wahab urged the traders to play by the rules and maintain a clean and hygienic environment for their health and that of the public. 

He warned that the government would not hesitate to shut down any market that returned to old, filthy ways.

The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the Authority is committed to environmental sustainability and public safety, especially around market facilities in the state.

He said the Authority 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.

Gbadegesin charged traders at the market to show total commitment to the state’s environmental laws to pave the way for a cleaner and healthier environment for both the traders and their customers.

Wuzup Nigeria earlier reported that the market was sealed along with Owode Onirin Market for sundry environmental infractions, including indiscriminate waste dumping, poor waste management practices, and general uncleanliness.