The Lagos State Government on Monday ordered the reopening of Mile 12 International Market after it was sealed on Friday.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the market was reopened after a thorough assessment, covering various aspects of environmental compliance, waste management practices, and general cleanliness within the market.
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He noted that issues critical to the environment, public health, and safety were not negotiable, as the government would not watch helplessly as those values were compromised and eroded by the conduct of few people.
“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 to affect the generality of the people.
“Following full compliance with environmental standards and safety measures earlier listed as preconditions for reopening shut markets, the Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate reopening of Mile 12 International Market.
“In spite of several advocacy efforts and public enlightenment, the 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,” Wahab said.
He urged the traders 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.