Gov’t Shuts Popular Market In Lagos

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government has shut down the popular Idera Market in the Oshodi part of Lagos State for allegedly violating environmental regulations.

Naijaonpoint understands that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI, was responsible for the enforcement of the market closure.

The Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Cole (retired), who announced the closure, mentioned that this action was part of a more vigorous push to maintain cleanliness in all registered markets throughout the State.

Cole stated that officials of the agency spread out across the Oshodi area during regular checks of markets and found unsanitary conditions, improper waste disposal, and the presence of garbage around the Idera Market, which led to the decision to close the market until further notice.

He expressed concern over the poor cleanliness at the market, which he believed could lead to sickness and disease among both sellers and customers.

“Markets must imbibe hygienic practices to prevent the spread of diseases,” Cole stressed.

He also highlighted how the market leadership was unable to provide a valid waste collection contract, citing the infraction as the lead cause of refuse heaps in the market.

He also pointed out that the company at the top of the market failed to secure a proper agreement for collecting trash, blaming this failure as the main reason for the accumulation of garbage in the area.

The head of KAI issued stern warnings to markets throughout the State to keep up a decent standard of cleanliness, as KAI agents stationed in Lagos are always on the lookout for violations in market conditions.

He cautioned that any market found not adhering to the rules would be closed down until full compliance was reached.

He emphasized the continuation of the ban on the sale, distribution, and use of Styrofoam packaging in the state, as well as the agency’s determination to take strong action against those involved in this activity.

He confirmed that the selling of goods from roadside stalls, lay-bys, medians, sidewalks, and curbs, which are considered forms of street vending and hawking, is still prohibited in the city.