LAGOS: Ambode Reopens Mile-12 Market, Plans Relocation

Mile 12 Market in Lagos.

LAGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday ordered the immediate re-opening of the Mile 12 Market following a peaceful pact arrived at during a stakeholders meeting in respect of the operation of the market.

According to a statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the decision to re-open the market was in line with the stakeholders’ meeting between the market men/women and traditional leaders in the community, residents and the Community Development Association (CDA).

The climax of the agreement reached during the meeting includes relocation of the market to another suitable location towards ensuring a lasting peace and harmony among the traders and communities.

Others are ban of commercial motorcycles (Okada) in the area; removal of all illegal structures including attachments built arbitrarily by traders within the market area; as well as the ban on street trading.

Similarly, the accord considered as a desideratum the need to maintain a hygienic environment in the market and a duty to maintain a peaceful co-existence irrespective of ethnic differences.

Expressing gratitude to the state government for the reopening of the market, members said that the two weeks closure had led to a huge loss of money particularly to the dealers of perishable goods especially yams and other farm products.

Alhaji Jubril Magaji, foundation member of Sukura Yam Sellers Association of Nigeria told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday that peace has returned to the market and that all the stakeholders are determined to maintain peace and tranquility in the area.

The market was shut down on March 3 on the orders of the state government as a strategic measure towards protecting lives and properties at the environment following the crisis which engulfed the market leading to burning of several houses and physical injuries to a lot of persons.