Lagos State Government Seals 14 Markets Over Environmental Violations

By Lukman Olabiyi

Zero-Tolerance Policy Enforced Against Environmental Abuse

The Lagos State Government has taken decisive action by sealing 14 markets and commercial facilities along the Ketu and Ikorodu Road axis due to persistent environmental violations.

This enforcement follows repeated warnings ignored by market operators and traders in the affected areas, who continued poor waste management practices.

Government’s Firm Stance on Sanitation

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to its Zero Tolerance for Waste campaign. He warned that any commercial establishment failing to meet cleanliness and proper waste disposal standards would face indefinite closure.

“The zero tolerance for waste initiative is still fully in force. We are not going back on it. The only acceptable path for all markets and traders is to adopt and maintain decent waste management practices as outlined by LAWMA,” Wahab stated.

List of Affected Markets

The sealed facilities include:

• Erukan Market
• Oja Oba Market, Ketu
• Owoseni Tundas Market
• Oba Ogunjobi Market
• Shops at BRT Terminal, Mile 12
• Ketu Terminal Market (six plazas)
• Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market
• Demurin Street Plaza Shops, Ketu
• Occupant at 6 Demurin Road, Ketu
• Ifelodun Market, Ketu
• Ibadan Unit 1 Park
• Ketu Tipper Garage
• Ikosi Fruit Market

Conditions for Reopening

Wahab emphasized that the closures will remain until all affected markets:

• Implement comprehensive sanitation measures
• Procure appropriate waste bins
• Engage LAWMA-licensed PSP operators
• Demonstrate sustained compliance through monitoring

LAWMA Calls for Market Responsibility

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), urged market leaders to ensure traders comply with waste management protocols, stressing the importance of environmental responsibility.

Source: The Sun Nigeria