AFTER 15 YEARS, KOGI GOVERNMENT ENDS REFUSE DUMPING AT LOKOJA INTERNATIONAL MARKET
By Avoyi Nwogu
After 15 years of operating without a structured sanitation system, the Kogi State Government has taken decisive steps to end indiscriminate refuse dumping within and around the International Market, Natako, Lokoja.
The market, a major commercial hub in the state, had long functioned without a consistent sanitation routine, raising serious environmental and public health concerns.
The clean-up exercise was led by the Chief Consultant of the International Market, Comrade Adams Babangida Jimoh, in collaboration with the Nigeria Forest Security Service, the market management, and traders’ unions. The team moved around the length and breadth of the market for over two hours to ensure the traders comply with the early warning.
Comrade Babangida expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for supporting the initiative, noting that the move is aimed at making the market cleaner, safer, and more conducive for business activities, while enforcing proper sanitation practices among traders and stakeholders.
“My special appreciation to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for giving me the opportunity to serve as Chief Consultant and achieve this milestone,” Babangida said.
He decried the long-standing habit of dumping waste in drainages and other channels within the market, describing it as unacceptable.
He announced that a compulsory monthly sanitation exercise takes effect from April 29, 2026.
“Cleanliness is essential. With the cooperation of traders, unions, and security agencies, this monthly sanitation will be sustained,” he added.
As part of enforcement measures, shops found in violation were temporarily sealed until their surroundings were properly cleaned.
The Market Chairman, Hassan Inuwa, commended the state government and the Chief Consultant for the initiative, stating that new policies are being introduced to reposition the market for better service delivery.
“We are happy with the turnout on this first day. Despite initial challenges, traders, management, and security agencies have shown cooperation,” Inuwa said.
He explained that the sealing of shops is a temporary measure to enforce compliance and instill a culture of cleanliness.
Inuwa also warned against the abandonment of shops, noting that some locked sections had become dumping and defecation points, posing health risks.
“We will engage shop owners. Those willing to comply will retain their spaces, but abandoned shops may be reallocated to more responsible users,” he stated.
The chairman praised Governor Ododo for introducing the monthly sanitation policy after 15 years of the market’s existence, assuring that traders will fully support and sustain the initiative.
He further appreciated the government’s broader support through agencies such as KGIRS and Kogi State Commodity Exchange Export Promotion Agency (KOCCEPA) and other Agencies.
On security, Inuwa noted that the market is benefiting from improved safety measures introduced by the state government.
He added that a new security office has been established at the first gate of the market, with plans underway according to the Chief Consultant, Comrade Adams Babangida to replicate the facility across all five gates to strengthen security beyond the existing police presence.
