The Lagos State Government has reopened the Alaba International Market and some markets at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, which had been shut down earlier for improper waste management and other environmental infractions.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the markets were reopened after the environmental issues had been addressed.

He dismissed claims that the closure of the markets was politically motivated, stressing that the step was taken to ensure a clean and healthy environment around business facilities.

“The decision to reopen the markets followed rigorous assessment and implementation of stringent environmental standards,” Wahab said. “These standards were set to guarantee that businesses in the state operate in a manner that is not detrimental to the environment and the well-being of the people.”

The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the agency worked with market officials to ensure the environmental standards were met. He emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance between commerce and environmental health.

“We have standards that each market in the state has to comply with to make our business environment clean and healthy for buyers and sellers,” Gbadegesin said. “These include proper waste management, zero tolerance for open burning of waste, and zero tolerance for dumping of waste in drainage channels.”

He urged market users and business owners to commit to environmental sustainability through proper waste disposal to avoid market closures.