The Nasarawa State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Lafia Modern Market due to worsening sanitary conditions within the facility.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, led officials of the ministry and security personnel to seal off the market on Tuesday, according to newsmen.
Elayo explained that the decision followed repeated warnings to traders to improve hygiene standards and maintain a clean environment, which were largely ignored.
“The market will remain closed until the traders’ leadership mobilises members to clean and sanitise the premises to make it fit for business operations,” she said.
Some traders, though expressing disappointment over the closure, pledged to cooperate with the government to restore cleanliness and reopen the market soon.
As of the time of filing this report, all entrances to the market had been locked, while security personnel and environmental sanitation officers were stationed at the gates to enforce compliance.
Observers noted that the sanitary conditions of markets across the state remain poor and neglected, urging authorities to intensify enforcement and public health education to curb unhygienic practices among traders.
Earlier in October, the Lagos State Government similarly shut down the Itedo Market in Lekki indefinitely over repeated environmental violations and illegal roadside trading, during which five offenders were arrested.
