by Isi Esene

The Lagos State Government has reopened the Ladipo market which was closed on February 25 over environmental offences.

In a statement released by the ministry of environment to that effect, the government stated that it is opening the market due to the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians including the governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.

The final decision to open the market was reportedly reached after a tripartite  meeting with the state government, the Chairman, Mushin Local Government and the traders’ association.

The statement said, “The agreement reached with the traders was that they must observe non-conversion of the drainage  Right of Way into trading points and mechanic workshops; non-conversion of the access roads in the market for trading activities; non-conversion of the shops in the market for residential purposes; no dumping of wastes and vehicle parts into the canal; and maintaining the general cleanliness of the market environment at all times.”

The traders also agreed to put necessary security measures in place to secure the market the cost of which will be borne by the traders.

“Also, the canal shall be properly fenced and no dumping of refuse into it.  All statutory revenues, and fees shall be paid to Mushin Local Government and other relevant government agencies regularly. No mechanic workshop shall operate on any access roads leading to the market. Only one – side parking shall be operated by the traders,” the statement.