Nasarawa Shuts Lafia Tomato Market Over Sanitation Issues

The Nasarawa State Government ordered the closure of Lafia Tomato Market due to poor sanitation and public health concerns. This decision was announced by the Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, Margaret Elayo, on Saturday in Lafia, the state capital.

The closure is effective for two days, Saturday and Sunday, following repeated warnings to traders regarding sanitation issues. Elayo noted that despite previous cleanings approved by Governor Abdullahi Sule, the market continued to exhibit heaps of refuse, poor drainage, and unhygienic handling of perishable goods, posing health risks to residents.

The market will remain closed until traders conduct a comprehensive sanitation exercise that meets the ministry's hygiene standards, with a re-inspection scheduled for Monday. Additionally, 37 tricycles operating during sanitation hours were impounded and will remain in custody for two days.

A compulsory sensitization exercise for the owners will take place on Monday before the tricycles are returned.