LAGOS/Nigeria: In a decisive move to enforce environmental regulations and ensure compliance, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo Market in the Mushin area of Lagos. This action comes as a response to numerous environmental offences, including reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills by traders and market stakeholders.
Commissioner Wahab announced that the market would remain closed until traders and stakeholders met the mandatory conditions for rectification. He emphasized that this closure was part of ongoing efforts to instill compliance in markets across the state.
Mr. Wahab stressed the paramount importance of environmental hygiene within markets, stating, “It is imperative that markets in the state adhere strictly to environmental laws and regulations put in place for the well-being of residents. The closure of Ladipo Market serves as a stern reminder that no entity, regardless of its size or influence, is above the law.”
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with market stakeholders to facilitate necessary adjustments and improvements, enabling them to meet required environmental standards. He made it clear that Ladipo Market would not reopen for business until these standards were met.
“Ladipo Market, a prominent hub for automotive spare parts and related services, has been a focal point for environmental concerns due to various activities that contravene established regulations. LAWMA’s intervention is a significant step towards rectifying these issues and bringing the market to compliance,” Mr. Wahab added.
In response, the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasized that the closure was necessary to allow for a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of the market’s activities and the implementation of remedial measures. He stated that this action sent a clear signal that LAWMA would not hesitate to take decisive actions when environmental laws were flouted.
“As Lagos State continues to grow and develop, it is imperative that economic activities are conducted in a manner that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. LAWMA’s recent actions demonstrate the authority’s commitment to this cause. The offensive against environmental infractions will continue until sanity is restored in our markets, while the next stop will be illegal markets,” Dr. Gbadegesin stressed.
The closure of Ladipo Market follows similar actions taken against Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, Oke-odo markets, and some sections of Tejuosho Market, all of which were shut down due to serial infractions. This decision underscores the state government’s unwavering commitment to restoring environmental sanity in the state.
Residents with waste management-related issues are encouraged to contact LAWMA through toll-free numbers: 617 and 07080601020.
