Lagos tasks traders on cleaner markets

The Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring markets in the state are cleaner and safer, warning against street trading and indiscriminate dumping of refuse.  

Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami, stated this during a meeting with traders at the commencement of a sensitisation tour of major markets in the 20 Local Council and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state.

The team visited four markets: Oyingbo Ultra-modern market; Sabo market in Yaba LCDA; Alade market, Shomolu; and Adaranijo market in Bariga.

He regretted that despite the provision of modern markets, traders still sold on streets, refusing to utilise stalls allocated to them. He directed them to occupy the stalls within one month or face forfeiture.

He highlighted the menace of street trading, citing traffic gridlock and road accidents.

“The state government would review the prices of the stalls, to make them more affordable and make you desist from street trading,” he said.

He advised them on proper disposal and evacuation of refuse from the markets, medians and walkways.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communications, Akeem Omoyele Sulaimon, said government remained committed to delivering the dividends of democracy. 

He urged them to cooperate with the new Cleaner Lagos Initiative, saying this would make the state cleaner, safer and economically viable.