The decision was announced following a joint inspection and enforcement operation conducted by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and relevant government bodies responsible for emergency-related matters.
The enforcement exercise was prompted by the expiration of a 14-day self-removal notice previously issued by the government to traders operating within and around Mandilas Market, particularly on Lagos Island, to dismantle illegal structures erected on road setbacks.
Leading the enforcement team were Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser to the Governor on eGIS and Urban Development; Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, the Special Adviser in charge of the Central Business District; Nurudeen Sodehinde, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development; and Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of LASBCA.
Dr. Babatunde emphasized the importance of ensuring compliance with regulatory directives and warned of imminent enforcement action if traders failed to adhere to the ultimatum.
Bola Olumegbon-Lawal reiterated the government's commitment to promoting safety and cleanliness within commercial areas, emphasizing the need for traders to cooperate in removing illegal structures to enhance the overall environment.
During the enforcement exercise, concerns were raised about safety infractions within Mandilas Market, including the unauthorized erection of high-capacity generating sets on makeshift extensions.
Olumegbon-Lawal appealed to affected shop owners to voluntarily dismantle illegal attachments and extensions, stressing the government's vision for a well-organized and hazard-free urban landscape.
The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development underscored the importance of adhering to urban planning regulations, highlighting that the government would not hesitate to take action against violators.
He assured residents that monitoring and enforcement efforts would be sustained until order was fully restored to Lagos Island, reaffirming the government's commitment to promoting a safe and orderly urban environment.
The closure of Mandilas Market serves as a proactive measure by the Lagos State Government to address urban planning challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of residents and traders alike. It also presents significant challenges for displaced workers, many of whom may struggle to find alternative employment in an already competitive job market.
With limited job opportunities and widespread economic uncertainty, they face the daunting task of navigating unemployment, supporting their families, and potentially retraining for new career paths. Moreover, the abrupt nature of the closure has left many employees without severance pay or adequate compensation, adding to their financial distress.
In light of the closure's impact on jobs and the economy, stakeholders must come together to support affected workers and mitigate the fallout. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders can play a vital role in providing assistance and resources to displaced workers, including job placement services, financial aid, and skills training programs. Additionally, efforts should be made to attract new businesses and investment to the area, revitalizing the local economy and creating employment opportunities for those affected by the closure.
Source: https://hubforjobs.com/more-people-may-lose-their-jobs-as-lagos-shuts-down-mandila-market