Security, tax, environmental concerns stall reopening of Oshodi Resettlement Market

n n

By Esther Onyegbula

n

Business activities remained at a standstill on Wednesday as the Oshodi Resettlement Market in Lagos remained shut following its closure by the Lagos State Government over the alleged assault of officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI.

n

A visit to the market showed all entrances under lock and key, with official closure notices displayed at various entry points.

n

Traders were seen loitering around the market premises, while others gathered in small groups awaiting updates on efforts to reopen the facility. Commercial activities were completely halted, leaving many business owners uncertain about their livelihoods.

n

Although market leaders were unavailable for comment, some traders who spoke anonymously said discussions were ongoing between market representatives and government authorities to resolve the issues that led to the closure.

n

Most traders declined to speak on record, citing concerns that public comments could affect ongoing negotiations.

n

A commercial tricycle operator in the area, identified simply as Tunde, linked the closure to a confrontation between roadside traders and KAI officials.

n

According to him, the dispute escalated after officials attempted to enforce regulations against roadside trading.

n

“The government alleged that some traders were not paying taxes. There was also an incident involving a roadside noodle seller and KAI officials, which degenerated into violence. Stones were allegedly thrown at the officials, forcing them to flee before returning with reinforcement,” he said.

n

Tunde further alleged that the enforcement operation involved the demolition of makeshift roadside stalls and the arrest of several individuals.

n

He claimed that tensions had been building due to repeated enforcement actions targeting roadside traders and beggars operating around the market.

n

Many traders expressed frustration over the closure, saying it had significantly affected their income and daily survival.

n

They appealed to the state government to consider the plight of innocent traders whose businesses have been disrupted by the shutdown.

n

Security personnel were observed around the market to enforce compliance with the closure order and prevent unauthorized access.

n

Providing the government’s position, Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy Unit of LAGESC, Mr. Ajayi Lukman, said the closure was initially prompted by the alleged protection of individuals accused of attacking KAI officials during an enforcement operation.

n

According to him, the suspects reportedly fled into the market, where some traders allegedly prevented their arrest.

n

“The closure of the Resettlement Market was initially triggered by an incident involving traders who allegedly shielded individuals accused of attacking LAGESC officials. When our personnel attempted to arrest the suspects, they fled into the market and were protected by some traders,” Lukman said.

n

He added that subsequent investigations uncovered additional issues, including tax and environmental infractions.

n

According to Lukman, officials of the Lagos Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) discovered outstanding tax obligations among some traders, while environmental authorities identified sanitation concerns, including septic tanks requiring urgent attention.

n

“The market’s closure is linked to multiple issues. Beyond the attack on government officials, there are tax-related concerns and environmental violations that must be addressed before the market can be reopened,” he stated.

n

The development follows Tuesday’s indefinite closure of the market announced by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who accused traders of obstructing officials carrying out lawful enforcement duties.

n

As of the time of filing this report, discussions between market leaders and relevant government agencies were ongoing, with traders expressing hope that the issues would soon be resolved and normal business activities restored.

n n