Governor Ahmed Sokoto of Sokoto State has issued a directive for the prompt removal of a waste disposal site located near the Central Market, which was recently engulfed in flames.
The governor made the decision while personally inspecting the market on Monday to gauge the extent of the situation.
Through a social media post, the governor urged for the removal of debris from the environment within a three-week timeframe starting from the previous day.
He wrote, “I was at the Sokoto State Central Market earlier, where a fire broke out on Monday morning, destroying over 180 stalls.
“To my surprise, there was some reluctance in guiding me to the garbage area. However, upon hearing people mention it, I took the initiative to investigate the situation myself. It is disheartening that a section of the market has been transformed into a dumping site.
“Despite attempts by the Commissioner for Lands and Housing to defend the market leaders, this issue concerns all of us. I wish to emphasise that the presence of garbage did not occur spontaneously; the business community also bears responsibility.
“I have issued a directive that the garbage must be cleared within three weeks, or else that specific market area will be closed.
They stated that the accumulation of such waste could pose risks to the community and might even be linked to the fire outbreak. They affirmed their firm stance against any actions that could jeopardize the safety of their people. They emphasized that maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings was undeniably a fundamental aspect of their beliefs.