Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of popular Ladipo Market, Mushin, citing poor hygiene, non payment of refuse collection among environmental infractions.
The closure of Ladipo Market is coming on the heels similar action taken against Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, Oke-Odo Markets, and some sections of Tejuosho Market, for serial infractions earlier in the week.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who ordered the closure on Friday, said the market would remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress were met by traders and market stakeholders.
According to the Commissioner, the measure was part of ongoing efforts at instilling compliance in markets around the state.
“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,” he said.
Mr. Wahab 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.
“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. Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA’s intervention is a significant step towards rectifying these issues and bringing the market to compliance,” Mr. Wahab further said.
In his reaction, the Managing Director, LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that 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, serving as a clear signal that LAWMA would not hesitate to take decisive actions, where and when environmental laws were flouted.
He 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 decision to shut down the markets underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to the restoration of environmental sanity in the state,” Gbadegesin stressed.
