The Lagos State government has sealed off the Alaba International Market, one of the largest electronics markets in Africa, for violating environmental laws and regulations. The market, located along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, was closed on Monday, October 23, 2023, following several warnings and notices from the authorities.
According to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who announced the closure on his official Twitter account, the market was guilty of poor waste disposal practices, failure to pay their waste bills, and gross environmental sanitation offenses. He said the market had consistently disregarded the state’s waste disposal protocols and environmental regulations.
The closure of the Alaba market was supervised by the operatives of the Nigerian police in the state. The market is known for its large-scale electronics, electrical appliances, and spare parts trade. It attracts customers from across Nigeria and neighboring countries.
The Alaba market is not the only one that has faced the wrath of the Lagos State government for environmental offenses. Several other markets have been shut down in the past few weeks for similar reasons. These include Ladipo Market, Agbado Oke-Odo Market, Oyingbo Market, Alayabiagba Market, Alamutu (Ologede) Market, and sections of Tejuosho Market.
The Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the decision to shut down the markets was based on their non-compliance with the state’s Environmental Protection Laws. He said that despite LAWMA’s efforts to improve the environment, some individuals and markets undermined their efforts by refusing to abide by the laws and regulations.
The Lagos State government has been implementing various measures to address the state’s environmental challenges, especially flooding and waste management. The state has also promoted environmental education and awareness among its residents and stakeholders.
The government has urged the market leaders and traders to cooperate with the authorities and comply with environmental laws and regulations. It has also warned that any market that fails to adhere to the environmental standards will face severe sanctions.
The closure of the Alaba market has sparked mixed reactions from the public. Some have commended the government for taking bold steps to protect the environment and public health. Others have expressed sympathy for the traders who lost their livelihood source due to the closure.
The government has assured that it will reopen the market once it meets the environmental requirements and pays its outstanding waste bills. It has also promised to support and guide the traders to ensure they comply with the environmental best practices.
The government has also appealed to the public to support its efforts to make Lagos a clean, healthy, and sustainable city.
Source: Tribune Online
