The Lagos State government has sealed 13 markets and commercial facilities along the Ketu and Ikorodu Road axis.
This is contained in a statement by Folashade Kadiri, director of public affairs, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), on Friday in Lagos.
The statement said the action followed a series of unheeded warnings and environmental abuse by market operators and traders in the affected areas.
The affected markets and facilities include Erukan, Oja Oba, Ketu, Owoseni Tundas, Oba Ogunjobi, Mile 12 and the Ketu Terminal Market (6 plazas) and Shop Owners at BRT terminal.
Others are Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market and Demurin Street Plaza Shops, Ketu; Occupant, 6 Demurin Road, Ketu; Ifelodun market in Ketu; Ibadan Unit 1 Park (between Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market); Ketu Tipper Garage; and Ikosi Fruit Market.
The commissioner for environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated the state’s unwavering stance on its ‘zero tolerance for waste’ campaign.
Mr Wahab warned that any market or commercial outlet that failed to meet the prescribed standards of cleanliness and proper waste disposal would be shut down indefinitely.
“The only acceptable path for all markets and traders is to adopt and maintain decent waste management practices, as outlined by LAWMA.
“The markets under closure will remain shut until these standards are met and sustained,” Mr Wahab said.
He stressed that the closures would remain in place indefinitely until all affected markets implemented comprehensive sanitation measures, procured appropriate waste bins and engaged with LAWMA-licensed PSP operators.
The commissioner maintained that the affected markets and facilities must demonstrate sustained compliance through monitoring and enforcement.
The managing director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, urged market leaders to take full responsibility for the environmental conditions of their domains by ensuring that all traders complied with existing waste management protocols.
He warned that the enforcement drive would be intensified in the coming weeks and that no facility would be spared if found wanting in its environmental responsibility.
Mr Gbadegesin reiterated LAWMA’s commitment to working with all stakeholders in building a cleaner Lagos.