The Lagos State House of Assembly has made it its hobby horse: the Market Authority Bill. This bill has sparked a lively debate among parliamentarians, underlining a common desire to strengthen commercial activity in the state. The Speaker of the Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has personally taken charge of this file, entrusting it to the Committee on Local Government for examination. The latter is expected to deliver its findings in the next two weeks.
The content of the bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the registration, formation, organization and operation of markets in Lagos State. The MPs stressed the importance of addressing some of the gaps in the current legislation, including by making the registration of all markets mandatory.
The Chairman of the Committee on Local Government, Sanni Okanlawon, stressed that the bill aims to strengthen market governance by establishing a representative management body. His colleague, Rauf Age-Suleiman, commended the inclusive composition of the proposed board.
During the debate, the Deputy Speaker of the Majority, Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, stressed the vital role of the Iyaloja-General in the Markets Advisory Board as provided for in the bill. However, he expressed reservations about his presence on the Board in order to avoid conflicts of interest.
Sa’ad Olumoh highlighted the democratic nature of the bill by requiring ratification by the Assembly of appointments to the Board. He also stressed that the bill would put an end to the arbitrary allocation of titles to land by traders.
MPs Stephen Ogundipe and Nureni Akinsanya respectively highlighted the positive impact expected by residents through this legislation and the importance of ensuring the integrity of stakeholders involved.
Aro Moshood addressed the issue of cleanliness of markets, their effective management and the resolution of traffic problems generated by the activities of traders and buyers.
In short, the discussion around the Market Authority Bill reveals a strong political will to improve the regulation of markets in Lagos State to promote a more structured and efficient business environment.