The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo Market in Mushin Local Government Area for environmental offences, including reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who announced the closure, said the market would remain closed until the traders and market stakeholders met the mandatory conditions of redress.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Wahab underscored the critical importance of environmental hygiene in markets, noting that it was imperative that markets in the state adhered strictly to environmental laws and regulations put in place for the well-being of residents.
He said the closure of Ladipo Market served as a stern reminder that no entity, regardless of its size or influence, was above the law.
He said, “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 stated that the state government was fully committed to collaborating with market stakeholders to facilitate necessary adjustments and improvements to enable them meet required environmental standards, adding that the market would not be reopened for business until set standards were met.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the closure was expected to allow for a thorough assessment of the environmental impact of the market’s activities and the implementation of necessary remedial measures.
He said the closure also served as a clear signal that LAWMA would not hesitate to take decisive actions against those who defied environmental laws.
Dr. Gbadegesin stressed that, as Lagos State continued to grow and develop, it was imperative that economic activities were conducted in a manner that was sustainable and environmentally responsible.
Recall that similar action was taken against Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, Oke-odo markets, and some sections of Tejuosho Market for serial infractions.
