Barely two hours after Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) announced the reopening of Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu Ologede and Ile-Epo markets, recently sealed for gross environmental abuses, the state government has rescinded its decision on Ladipo market.

While other reopened markets have resumed activities, the government has ordered a safety audit of Ladipo market to ascertain its environmental wellness.

A government’s source told The Guardian that the decision was reached when officials visited the market and found out that market leaders were yet to perfect some environmental and safety conditions, required before recommencing business activities.

The action caused pandemonium as traders and customers, who thronged the market as early as 8:00a.m. for their usual business, were disappointed.

Lamenting her plight, a food vendor, who had already prepared for the day’s business, Madam Joy Ani, said she bought the food items on credit, and wondered how she would recoup the money used in preparing the food and repay her debt.

However, speaking on the issue, Managing Director /CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the market remained closed because it was observed that its management had not fully met stipulated mandatory safety and environmental measures earlier outlined by the Authority.

He said: “Our primary concern is the safety of the people and environmental well-being at marketplaces. Reopening is contingent upon strict adherence to the safety conditions set forth by LAWMA. It is imperative that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent any potential risks.”

Dr. Gbadegesin added that while several markets had successfully met the outlined safety requirements and had been permitted to resume business, Ladipo Market would also be reopened to business activities, once it passed the requisite safety audit.