Lagos reopens sealed Ladipo market

The market had been sealed for poor sanitary conditions.
The Lagos State Government on Monday reopened Ladipo Auto Parts Market, sealed on February 25 for poor sanitary conditions and other violations of the state`s Environmental Laws.
The Commissioner for Environment, Tunji Bello, said in a statement in Ikeja that the market was re-opened following the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians, including the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.
Mr. Bello said that the government reopened the market after the traders had agreed to meet some conditions given by the government during a meeting between the two parties.
Some of the conditions are improving the sanitary conditions of the market, non-encroachment on the Drainage Right of Way and a halt to street trading.
The others include putting adequate security arrangement in the market, checking touting and promptly remitting their taxes to the appropriate authorities.
He urged the traders to honour the agreement, saying ensuring cleanliness and order in the market is in the interest of all.
Responding to the reopening, Kingsley Ikechukwu, the Chairman of the Ladipo Main Market Traders Association, said it is a huge relief to the traders.
Mr. Ikechukwu commended the State Government for listening to appeals by the traders and other well-meaning Nigerians, promising that the traders would abide by government`s conditions.
"This is a huge relief to us and we thank the government for considering us at last. However, we are not to open to customers immediately.
"What we will be doing now is to contact the other traders about the new development so that by tomorrow we'll start our business activities," he said.
(NAN)