By Daniel Edu
The Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to reconsider the closure of Owode Onirin and Mile 12 International markets, emphasizing the need to prevent exacerbating economic hardships.
Mr. Alex Omotehinse, the President of CHSR, expressed his concerns in a statement issued on Saturday, deeming the closure of these markets a misdirected decision.
Omotehinse stressed that reopening these markets would help avert unintended adverse consequences on economic investments and the livelihoods of the majority of the population.
He remarked, “We strongly oppose the recent closure of Owode Onirin and Mile 12 International markets by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab.”
CHSR argued that the closure came at an inopportune time, following a series of actions that have already negatively impacted the livelihoods of many Lagos residents. The group underlined the significance of these markets not only for the economic sustenance of countless traders nationwide but also for their strategic role in supplying perishable food and vehicle spare parts throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
CHSR pointed out that both markets had been consistently recognized as maintaining clean environments in the past, evidenced by their adoption of innovative practices and substantial infrastructural improvements that enhanced market standards.
The group maintained that while the Lagos State government’s commitment to maintaining clean and hygienic markets was commendable, the indiscriminate closure of markets should not be the primary approach.
The group also highlighted the failure of state environmental agencies to meet traders’ expectations, despite these traders fulfilling their obligations regarding waste disposal.
CHSR further emphasized that Mile 12 International market had been recognized as the best-maintained perishable food market in Nigeria, serving as a model for similar markets nationwide. They stressed that the frequent and arbitrary closure of markets during a period of economic hardship when citizens are struggling for survival is ill-conceived and counterproductive.
Notably, the Lagos State Government had recently announced the immediate closure of Mile 12 International and Owode Onirin markets due to various environmental violations.
