Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo market in the Mushin area of the State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in the State, Tokunbo Wahab, said the market has been shuttered for several environmental offences.
In a statement, Director of Public Affairs, Kadiri Folashade, said the environmental offences, include reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills.
Wahab said the market will remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress have been met by traders and market stakeholders.
The Commissioner said the move is part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with regulations in markets across the state.
Wahab 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.”
According to him, the state government is fully committed to collaborating with stakeholders to facilitate necessary adjustments and improvements, in a bid to enable them to meet required environmental standards.
Wahab said, “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.”
In his reaction, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the closure would allow for a thorough assessment of the environmental impact of market activities and the implementation of necessary remedial measures.
Gbadegesin said this should serve as a clear signal that LAWMA would not hesitate to take decisive actions, where and when environmental laws were flouted.
The LAWMA boss said, “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 till sanity is restored in our markets, while the next stop will be illegal markets.”
The closure of the Ladipo market follows the closure of Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, Oke-Odo, and some sections of Tejuosho markets, over “serial infractions”.
The statement from Folashade read, “The decision to shut down those markets underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to the restoration of environmental sanity in the state.”
