Nasarawa State Seals Lafia Market, Impounds 37 Tricycles for Sanitation Offences

The Nasarawa State Government has taken decisive action against poor hygiene, ordering the immediate closure of the bustling Lafia Tomato Market. This move comes amid serious concerns regarding public health and unsanitary conditions within the market premises. In a related enforcement drive, authorities also confiscated 37 tricycles for a two-day period, citing their operation during designated sanitation hours, a clear breach of the state's environmental regulations.

This information was disclosed by Mrs. Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, during a press briefing held on Saturday in Lafia, the state capital. Her announcement followed the conclusion of the monthly sanitation exercise for August. Commissioner Elayo highlighted that Governor Abdullahi Sule had previously sanctioned multiple comprehensive cleaning efforts for the market, yet she expressed profound dissatisfaction with the persistent conduct of the traders.

She explained that the decision to shut down the market was a direct consequence of repeated advisories issued to both traders and market management regarding the necessity of maintaining a clean environment. Elayo, who led the enforcement team, stated, “We have observed heaps of refuse, poor drainage, and unhygienic handling of perishable goods in this market. This poses a serious health risk to residents, and the government cannot fold its arms and allow a disease outbreak caused by the attitude of the traders.”

The market is slated to remain closed throughout Saturday and Sunday. Its reopening is contingent upon the traders and the market association undertaking a thorough sanitation exercise that meets the hygiene benchmarks set by the ministry. A re-inspection by ministry officials is scheduled for Monday to ascertain compliance with environmental standards before the market can resume operations.

In parallel efforts, the Commissioner confirmed the impoundment of 37 tricycles across Lafia. These vehicles were seized for violating the stipulated hours for the sanitation exercise. The tricycles will remain in government custody for two days. Furthermore, the ministry plans to conduct a mandatory sensitisation programme for the tricycle owners on Monday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, before their vehicles are released.

Concluding her remarks, Commissioner Elayo urged the public to consistently maintain clean surroundings to prevent the outbreak of various diseases. She reiterated, “If the environment is kept clean, it will guard against a possible outbreak of any disease, thereby ensuring improved healthy living of the people.”