16th February, 2025
The Lagos State Government, at the weekend, directed the reopening of Oke Arin and Gorodom markets on Lagos Island on Monday following the signing of an undertaking by traders to maintain environmental cleanliness.
The government also issued a 48-hour quit notice to traders operating under the Idumota/Ebute Ero Police Post area of Lagos Island.
The directives were given by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, when he led state officials on an inspection tour of the markets, which had been closed for over two weeks due to flagrant disregard for state environmental laws.
During the inspection, Wahab also issued a 48-hour quit notice to all traders and stall owners under the Idumota/Ebute Ero Police Post overhead for the indiscriminate erection of attachment stalls, which he said posed environmental and safety risks.
He stressed the importance of prioritising environmental cleanliness in all markets to prevent the spread of diseases.
Wahab explained that the inspection was conducted to assess the level of compliance following enforcement actions taken to restore the Iga Modile, Gorodom, Bombata, Olusi, and Alagbafo collectors and tertiary drains in the area.
These drainage channels had previously been converted into lock-up shops and buildings, leading to the market’s initial closure.
“It is essential for everyone to take responsibility for their environment. The traders caused the closure of the market, and the government will not let down its guard. Going forward, we are determined to inspect every nook and cranny of Lagos State to restore drainage alignments and prevent flooding. When there is flooding, people are quick to accuse the government of negligence,” he said.
He added that traders operating along the re-established drainage channels would be required to sign an undertaking to take ownership of the infrastructure, enforce environmental sanitation, prevent indiscriminate refuse dumping, and ensure waste bins are placed at designated points for collection by PSP operators.
The commissioner ordered the reopening of the markets on Monday while urging traders to maintain proper hygiene and environmental sanitation, emphasising that cleanliness not only promotes good health but also attracts more customers.
“Do we feel responsible when we dump waste into public drains? We can do better than this. The state government is not pleased. Each of you must take responsibility for your surroundings, beyond just your stores. Drainage systems must be cleaned, waste bins must be in place, and you must commit to maintaining a clean environment,” Wahab said.
“While traders are primarily focused on making money, the government is concerned about the broader impact on society and is committed to achieving environmental sustainability,” he added.
Wahab criticised shop owners and traders for illegally converting drainage setbacks into stalls, which he said obstructed the free flow of stormwater and could lead to severe disease outbreaks, including cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid fever.
He urged traders to adopt good sanitation practices to reduce hospital visits and safeguard public health.
“These illegal stalls and shops create the risk of major disease outbreaks, which could overwhelm our healthcare system with avoidable medical emergencies,” he stated.
He also reminded traders that the Lagos State Government had banned styrofoam over a year ago due to its adverse effects on human health and drainage systems.
“I appeal to traders still selling styrofoam packs—stop immediately. It is evident that some of you are still storing styrofoam in your shops. It is time to collaborate with the government to protect the environment and our drainage alignments,” Wahab stressed.
He reiterated that global warming and climate change were real threats, urging everyone to take responsibility for reducing their environmental impact.
“Markets are not meant to be sleeping places. If you have been collecting money from people sleeping in the market, you must stop. The government is not asking for your money—just take care of the little but necessary things in your area. Stop connecting sewage systems to drainage channels. Stop dumping waste into drainage alignments. Stop building on drainage pathways so that water can flow freely. The rains are coming, and we must be prepared,” he warned.
During the tour, Wahab also ordered the immediate sealing of Kabaran Global Nigeria – Apogbon Truck Park on Adeniji Adele Road after several abatement notices expired.
He explained that the space had been allocated for the contractor handling major road repairs in the area.
The commissioner issued a stern warning to developers and residents who dump building materials on roads and drainage channels, causing blockages. He also ordered the immediate sealing of a shopping complex under construction along Adeniji Adele Road.
