By Atoyebi Nike
The Nasarawa State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Lafia Modern Market due to worsening sanitary conditions within the facility.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, led ministry officials and security personnel to seal off the market on Tuesday. She said the move followed repeated warnings to traders to maintain hygiene, 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,” Elayo stated.
While some traders expressed disappointment over the closure, many pledged to cooperate with authorities to restore cleanliness. Security officers and sanitation officials have since been stationed at the market’s entrances to enforce compliance.
Observers have raised concerns over poor sanitary conditions in markets across Nasarawa, urging stricter enforcement of hygiene standards.
Earlier this month, the Lagos State Government also shut down Itedo Market in Lekki over environmental violations and illegal trading, arresting five offenders during the operation.
