The Ogun State Government has ordered the closure of Adatan Market in Abeokuta due to traders’ continuous disregard for regulations against street trading. The decision, announced on Thursday, follows multiple warnings from the authorities about the dangers of trading on walkways, roads, and drainage channels.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental Protection, Farook Akintunde, noted that despite previous directives, many traders continued to occupy restricted areas, causing major obstructions to pedestrian and vehicular movement. He also pointed out that their activities had worsened sanitation problems in and around the market.
Akintunde further stated that traders had failed to clear blocked drainage channels, an issue that could lead to severe flooding, especially with the rainy season approaching.
“Beyond illegal street trading, many traders have erected shanties and makeshift structures on drainage channels, blocking water flow and increasing the risk of flooding as the rainy season approaches,” he said.
Officials have warned that the market will remain closed until the traders take necessary actions, including clearing the drainage channels and cleaning up the premises. Additionally, they will be required to sign an agreement promising to adhere to environmental regulations before they can resume trading.
