By NewsDesk
In an effort aimed at curbing environmental abuse and protecting public health, the Lagos State Government has sealed 14 markets and commercial facilities along the Ketu and Ikorodu Road axis for failing to comply with sanitation standards.
The crackdown comes after repeated warnings to market operators, many of whom were found guilty of indiscriminate waste disposal and failure to meet hygiene requirements stipulated by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the closures reflect the state’s unwavering commitment to its Zero Tolerance for Waste campaign.
“The zero tolerance for waste initiative is still fully in force. We are not going back on it,” Wahab stated. “The only acceptable path for all markets and traders is to adopt and maintain decent waste management practices as outlined by LAWMA.”
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He confirmed that the affected markets and facilities will remain closed indefinitely until they implement comprehensive sanitation measures and demonstrate consistent compliance.
The sealed locations include:
- Erukan Market
- Oja Oba Market, Ketu
- Owoseni Tundas Market
- Oba Ogunjobi Market
- Shop Owners at BRT Terminal, Mile 12
- Ketu Terminal Market (six plazas)
- Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market
- Demurin Street Plaza Shops, Ketu
- The Occupant, 6 Demurin Road, Ketu
- Ifelodun Market, Ketu
- Ibadan Unit 1 Park
- Ketu Tipper Garage
- Ikosi Fruit Market
Speaking on behalf of LAWMA, its Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, warned that further enforcement actions are imminent.
“The expectations are clear: use the double dino bins, avoid dumping waste on road medians and roadsides, activate internal waste policing to monitor compliance within your markets, and pay your waste bills,” Gbadegesin said. “Markets that continue to defy these basic regulations will face stiff sanctions.”
He added that LAWMA deploys considerable resources daily to clean up market waste, but these efforts are often compromised by the negligence of traders and market leaders.
“Market leaders must do more to ensure their members operate within the bounds of the law. The cooperation of market associations, traders, and residents is crucial if we are to achieve a cleaner Lagos,” he said.
The state government says it will continue monitoring the affected markets and insists that reopening will only occur when environmental standards are fully met.