Traders of the popular Mile 12 Market in
Lagos, Southwest Nigeria have agreed that
the market should be relocated from the
area and that the government should ban
commercial motorcycle popularly known as
okada riders from operating in the area.
At a joint news conference by leaders of the
market in Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, the
traders said they had resolved and agreed to
work with the Lagos State Government to
ensure peace in the area.


Addressing the conference on behalf of the
various groups in the market, Alhaji Shehu
Usman, Financial Secretary, Perishable
Foodstuff Association, Mile 12 Market, said
the traders had agreed to work with the
government to ensure ban on the use of
okada as a means of commercial
transportation in the area because of their
flagrant disobedience of traffic laws in
addition to causing road accidents.


“Okadas were responsible for the breakdown
of law and order that precipitated the
present crisis. We have agreed a peaceful
co-existence among all ethnic groups in the
area. We have accepted the removal of all
shanties and blighted areas within the area
which may be harbouring miscreants and
eliminate their illegal activities.


“These shanties are illegal structures which
are unsuitable for human habitation and are
prone to landslides and other environmental
problems. Their removal will greatly enhance
the security of life and properties in the
neighbourhood,” he said.


Usman added that because Mile 12 Market
had been in existence for decades and had
outgrown its present location and available
structures, it had become necessary for its
relocation to another suitable and more
convenient location within the state.


“The market executives will dialogue further
with the state government on the relocation
programme which will help increase the
economic growth and development, provide
better infrastructure and reduce traffic
congestion,” he stated.


While regretting that crisis erupted in the
market, leading to the loss of lives and
properties, Usman denied that the crisis was
a fight between the Hausas and the
Yorubas. He said it was between okada
factions in the area.


At the press conference were the Secretary
to the State Government, Tunji Bello,
Commissioner for Information and Strategy,
Steve Ayorinde; Commissioner for the
Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare;
Commissioner for Local Government and
Community Affairs, Muslim Folami and
others.


The market is likely to be re-opened
Wednesday as the State Executive Council is
currently deliberating on its possible re-
opening.

http://independentnig.com/2016/03/mile-12-market-to-be-relocated-traders-okay-okada-ban/

CC:lalasticlala

Good development.

Better. It's about time