By Christiana Abogunrin
The unsightly destitution, ramshackle scenery and the squalid environment still welcomes every first time visitor.
Located along the Lagos-Badagry expressway, Alaba Rago which shares the name with the larger if not more popular Alaba International market – the electronics headquaters of West Africa has reported only sad news lately.
For the Lagos State Government, the market and residential quarters have been demolished back in June when the state’s environmental taskforce swooped on the traders and chased them away and destroyed their living and business spaces. Well, when EverydayLagos visited, nothing suggests there was ever a dislocation.
Brimming with people
The market and residential areas are brimming with people. Business is ongoing as traders display their wares ranging from livestock to farm produce; industrial goods to “iron condemn” and of course, there was also the eerie presence of drugs retailing of every kind.
Living on the edge
Traders and residents of the market are operating amid confusion and trepidation – despite the government’s directive to shut down the market due to environmental infractions. The Lagos State government issued the closure order more two years ago on May 19, 2022.
The directive came for a couple of reasons. One of the major reasons is environmental infraction. The market which is popularly known for its ram trade has had the environment heavily polluted by the activities of these traders and squatters. The location is also known to be a hideout for a category of criminals and all sorts of illegal trading, including banned drug trafficking.
In defiance of the demolition which took place on June 2, trading continues, and what could be termed illegal structures housing persons thought to be of northern extraction remain standing while new ones are being erected. Ungoverned spaces even in urban areas give room for the kind of disorder in the market which is close to the Lagos State University.
Land in dispute
Sellers and buyers express determination to remain at the site, claiming that the land has been theirs for many years and the government cannot take it from them. A respondent who does not want his name in print said: “We’re vigilant, knowing the task force can arrive anytime”. A trader added, “but we have nowhere else to trade, so we can’t leave.”
Blame game
The demolition of a section of the market had sparked controversy. Some attribute the destruction to “elders” within the market who they believe weren’t working for the government. Stating that they were doing it for their selfish ambitions.
Others believe it was a government-led operation that had a political undertone and served as a warning for the impending removal. For this group, the last election provided an alibi for the government in the state to settle scores since according to them, the settlers and traders did not vote for the governor or his party.
For some of the traders whose shacks were demolished, they have chosen to relocate to the roadside, fueling concerns about the task force’s potential return.
Traders also question the government’s intentions, citing unfulfilled promises of new allocations several months after.
Ultra-modern market in view
Rumors abound, but one fact is clear: the Lagos State government plans to construct an ultra-modern market in Alaba Rago, as evidenced by billboards at the market’s entrance. When the construction will start and the guarantee that the traders will have stores allocated to them after construction is driving conspiracy theories among the people.
The traders’ defiance stems from a lack of clarity on the government’s intentions. With unfulfilled promises of alternative trading spaces and unclear redevelopment plans – the community remains uncertain about their future. This information vacuum has fueled speculation and mistrust among Alaba Rago traders.
Traders remain skeptical, drawing parallels with Yaba Market’s redevelopment, which they claim displaced original vendors. They are concerned about being displaced after reconstruction.
In the meantime, the market remains a chaotic, putrid, yet vital, hub of legal and illegal economic activity. Despite the uncertainty, the traders continue to serve thousands of their customers who rely on the market for their daily needs. For them, this defiance is not just about resisting government action, but about survival in a city where opportunities are scarce.
Until the government provides clearer plans and follows through on its promises, the traders of Alaba Rago Market will continue to operate under the shadow of doubt, with their livelihoods hanging in the balance.
