In a related development, the state government has ordered the immediate reopening of the Oke Arin/Gorodom Market, following a consensus reached among stakeholders.
The market had been closed due to issues related to environmental degradation and the obstruction of drainage systems.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, announced these directives on Sunday during an on-site evaluation of compliance in the affected markets.
Wahab emphasized that any failure by the occupants to vacate the premises within the given timeframe would result in serious repercussions.
The inspection team included the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji; Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; along with other ministry officials.
Wahab stated, “We have come to inspect the level of compliance with respect to the directive given to keep off our drainage alignments and remove every impediment around the alignment.
“We came here about three weeks ago; we could see the high level of encroachment where people were selling on the drainage itself. It was a very unpalatable sight to behold.
“This led to serving the traders notices to vacate, and we had to re-establish that drainage and the right of way. All the connecting tertiary drainages were also opened up.
“We also engaged with the traders upon which they gave their written undertaking and agreed to maintain what we have opened up, which led to the immediate unsealing of the market.
"From there, we inspected the Idumota and environs.We could see the level of environmental degradation and it’s not something we want to keep unaddressed.
“We had to serve them quit notice to remove them and after then we shall do the needful.”
He emphasized the critical importance of environmental cleanliness for all residents, including market vendors, to mitigate the risk of disease transmission.
“It is necessary for everyone to take care of the environment; the traders caused the closure of the market; the government will not let down its guards. Going forward, we are determined to go around nooks and crannies of Lagos State to re-establish our drainage alignments in order to avoid flooding because whenever there is a flood in the state, you people will accuse the government of being irresponsible,” he said.
Wahab detailed how shop owners' unauthorized encroachment on drainage setbacks has obstructed stormwater flow, creating a significant public health risk. This improper conversion of drainage areas into stalls increases the likelihood of outbreaks of cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever. He emphasized that consistent sanitation practices within shops and surrounding areas are crucial to mitigating these risks and reducing the burden on healthcare facilities.
“With these illegal stalls and shops, if proper care is not taken, we can have a major disease outbreak, and these outbreaks can have negative impacts on our health care system, such that we would start undertaking various tests which we can avoid by doing the needful in every corner of our stalls” he said.
He noted the state government's ban on styrofoam, implemented over a year ago due to its negative impact on public health and drainage systems. He further observed continued styrofoam use and disposal by some vendors, urging immediate cessation of this practice.
“I would like to appeal to our traders who still engage in selling styrofoams packs that we don’t want to see styrofoams in our markets; it is obvious that some of you are still storing these styrofoams in your stores; It is high time you collaborate with the government as traders to help protect the environment and all the drainage alignments” he stressed.
Wahab stressed the reality of global warming and climate change, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in mitigating their effects.
“Let us make our choices now; markets are not meant to be sleeping places. If You people have been collecting money from those sleeping in the markets in the past, such people should stop giving you money. The government is not asking for your money; just fix the little necessary things in your corners; stop connecting your sewage system to the drainage alignment; stop discharging your waste into the drainage alignment. Stop building on the drainage alignment so that the drainages can remain clean always; the rains are coming, and we must be prepared,” he added.
During the visit, the Commissioner also ordered the immediate closure of Kabaran Global Nigeria—Apogbon Truck Park on Adeniji Adele Road after multiple warnings were ignored, emphasizing that the contractor for the major road repairs is set to start work and that the area has been designated for their use.
The Commissioner reiterated a warning to developers and residents who like to dump construction materials on the roads and drainage systems, which leads to serious water flow blockages. He also ordered the immediate closure of a shopping complex being built along Adeniji Adele Road.
In a response of gratitude, Alhaja Basirat Owolewa, speaking on behalf of the Iyaloja of Gorodom Market, thanked the government for clearing all the blocked drainage channels in the market. She assured that traders in the market and nearby areas would be encouraged to prioritize good sanitation practices from now on.