Ikorodu Local Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger collaboration with market stakeholders as part of efforts to reposition markets in the council area for sustainable development and improved security.

The commitment was made on Thursday during the Ikorodu Local Government Market Board Stakeholders’ Meeting, themed “Repositioning Ikorodu Markets to Mega City Standards Through Collaboration, Security and Sustainable Development,” held at the Ikorodu Local Government Main Auditorium.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Ikorodu Local Government Market Board and Special Adviser to the Chairman on Market Matters, Hon. Misbaudeen Alejo, emphasized the need for unity among market stakeholders. He disclosed that the stakeholders’ engagement would become a regular exercise to encourage continuous dialogue and effective collaboration.

Alejo also announced plans to establish a task force to strengthen market administration and noted that the traditional rulers of Ikorodu would continue to play active roles in matters concerning the markets.

He urged traders to embrace unity and comply with laid-down rules and guidelines, including maintaining proper sanitation through regular fumigation of market environments.

Representing the Council Manager, Mr. Oluwo Akingbade, Head of Human Resources, appealed to traders to cooperate with the local government in its efforts to improve market operations and create a more conducive trading environment.

Also speaking, the Head of Security stressed that the council’s increased monitoring of markets was driven primarily by the need to enhance security rather than generate revenue.

He advised market leaders to ensure that all security personnel engaged within the markets are properly documented and encouraged traders to work closely with the Market Board to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

Political stakeholder, Alhaji Rilwan Jinadu, urged traders to promptly report illegal or suspicious activities to the council, describing market men and women as vital contributors to the local economy and community development.

He also called for sustained cooperation between market leaders and the local government, noting that collective responsibility is essential to maintaining peace, order and economic growth across markets in Ikorodu.

Responding to concerns raised by market representatives during the interactive session, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Prince Abdul-Lateef Adedayo Ladega, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with market stakeholders.

The Chairman emphasized that unity remains the foundation for sustainable development and assured traders of the council’s readiness to support their growth.

He disclosed that the local government would facilitate access to grants for traders and encouraged market leaders to maintain regular communication with the council by reporting observations, challenges and suggestions that would enhance market development.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the council and market stakeholders to foster collaboration, improve security and reposition Ikorodu markets to meet modern standards.