The Lagos government on Monday ordered the reopening of Mile 12 market after it was sealed on Friday.

The commissioner for the environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the market was reopened after a thorough assessment, covering various aspects of environmental compliance, waste management practices, and general cleanliness within the market.

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

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

“In spite of several advocacies and public enlightenment, the government was left with no choice but to enforce. The enforcement exercise will be a continuous one, as no government takes delight in shutting down markets,” Mr Wahab said.

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

Also speaking on the reopening, the managing director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said LAWMA was committed to environmental sustainability and public safety, especially around market facilities in Lagos.

“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,” Mr Gbadegesin stated.

The LAWMA boss 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 the traders and their customers.

The market was sealed along with the Owode Onirin market for sundry environmental infractions.

(NAN)