By joshua 
Lokoja International Market Holds First Sanitation Exercise, Stakeholders Hail Consultant
The Lokoja International Market on Saturday held its maiden Sanitation Day exercise, with stakeholders commending the Market Consultant, Babangida Aliyu Adams, for the initiative.
The commendation came from Chief Victor Omofaiye, Director General of the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA); Alhaji Sule Enehi, Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service; and the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Mohammed Gambo.
Stakeholders at the exercise described it as “first of its kind since the establishment of the Market,” noting that it aimed at keeping the market clean at all times.
Speaking during an interactive session with market operators, Chief Omofaiye, represented by Comr. Ododo Fabian Onimisi, Director, Market Development, said the sanitation became necessary “following the observation by the Governor about the dirty environment” and urged sustenance.
“Security is everybody’s business,” he warned, adding that “henceforth people not having business in the market will be arrested.” He also urged operators to support the N50m budget benchmark given to the market for the 2026 fiscal year.
Alhaji Sule Enehi, represented by Engr. Mouktar, HoD Parastatals, KGIRS, lauded the Consultant as “a man of transparency and honesty,” saying KGIRS is happy with his operation in the International Market.
The Maigari of Lokoja, represented by Alhaji Isah Baba Nasidi, expressed appreciation for the exercise, stating “the people of Lokoja are appreciative of his activities.”
Other speakers, Hajia Rukayat, Fish Sellers Chairperson; the Market Union Chairman; Hausa traders’ representative Isa Bauchi; Ibo traders; and Sarkin Kasuwa, Alhaji Bawa, praised the Consultant’s leadership style, saying he has “created the enabling environment for business to thrive” and called the sanitation “a step in the right direction.”
Responding, Consultant Babangida Aliyu Adams said the exercise is “geared towards the progress of the Market.” He commended Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo over “regular payment of salaries that has helped improve businesses in the Market.”
Adams appealed to traders to desist from selling on the road, warning it hinders traffic and “could be dangerous for the traders as they risk being hit by motorists.”
He expressed dismay at complaints of stealing and assured traders of safety for their wares, but urged adherence to closing time “as it will enable the security to identify criminals.” He also frowned against blocking roads with displayed items.
To boost security, he announced that “henceforth, the Market will register POS operators and provide them with jackets, as well as the wheel barrow operators with jackets as a means of identification.”