Lagos: Ladipo market to be reopened after meeting safety audit

The Lagos government has announced the reopening of Oyingbo, Ile Epo, and Alamutu markets in the state.

The state government insisted on the closure of the Ladipo market in the Mushin area.

In September, the state government announced the immediate closure of Ladipo, Ile Epo, Alamatu, and some markets over “reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills”.

The government said the markets would remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress have been met by traders and market stakeholders.

Speaking on Monday, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, managing director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), said the markets “were reopened today after extensive renovations and compliance measures”.

Gbadegesin said the reopened markets comply with certain conditions, which include the provision of designated waste points; installation of block work fence for the placement of double dino bins; commitment to sustainable market waste policing, and engagement of bin keepers.

“A filthy market is a breeding ground for terrible diseases like cholera, typhoid, Lassa fever, ebola, malaria and others,” he said.

“We cannot stand by and watch some markets expose the people of Lagos State to such conditions which are clearly avoidable if they do the right things.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that any future violations will attract stiffer sanctions, including the permanent closure of the offending market.”

On the Ladipo market, he said the management had not fully met the mandatory safety and environmental measures stipulated by the government.

He added that the market would also be reopened after it passed the stipulated “safety audit”.