Lagos Market Authority Bill scales second reading

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State House of Assembly has read for the second time a bill to establish the Lagos Market Authority Board, which aims to provide effective registration, formation, organisation, and management of market activities in the state.

According to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, “The bill, if passed, would address anomalies in the current law and make it mandatory for all markets to be duly registered.”

Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, Sanni Okanlawon, emphasised that “The bill would help to regulate market activities and ensure effective management.”

Also, Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Kasunmu noted that “The Iyaloja-General’s role in the Market Advisory Council would be crucial in providing advice.”

Sa’ad Olumoh, representing Ajeromi Ifelodun 1 Constituency, stated that “Clause 18 talks about an Advisory Board, which the Iyaloja-General is going to be heading. That tells us that Iyaloja is in a better position to give the necessary advice.”

Stephen Ogundipe, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, commended the bill, saying, “The proposed law would be appreciated by the people of the state. It would ensure the cleanliness of markets, their effective management, and would take care of gridlocks caused by the activities of traders and buyers.”

The bill has been committed to the House Committee on Local Government, which is expected to report back to the House in two weeks.