The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the immediate reopening of the Mile 12 International Market which was sealed up last Friday.
The market was closed due to concerns over public health safety issues.
However, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, told journalists on Monday that the market was reopened after a thorough assessment, covering various aspects of environmental compliance, waste management practices, and general cleanliness within the market.
The commissioner assured the public that issues of public health and safety, and the environment were paramount in the mind of the government.
The Commissioner called on traders in the market and other markets in Lagos to play by the rules of acceptable standards, putting premium on hygiene for their health and that of the public, stressing that the government will not shy away from shutting down any market that returns to old filthy ways
He said:
“We cannot continue to be nonchalant about our environment. Our negative attitude towards the environment must stop.
”The way we treat the environment, is the way the environment treats us. We cannot fold our arms and allow the nonchalance of a few, affect the generality of the people.
“Following full compliance with environmental standards and safety measures earlier listed as precondition for reopening shut markets, the Lagos State Government has ordered immediate reopening of Mile 12 International Market.
“Inspite of several advocacy and public enlightenment, government is left with no choice than to enforce. The enforcement exercise will be a continuous one, as no Government takes delight in shutting down markets.”