By Francis Ugwu
The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo Market, Mushin, over alleged environmental infractions including, reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills, among others.
The order for the closure was announced on Friday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Wahab said the market would remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress were met by traders and market stakeholders, noting that the closure was part of ongoing efforts at instilling compliance in markets around the state.
The commissioner also underscored the critical importance of environmental hygiene in markets, saying “It is imperative that markets in the state adhere strictly to environmental laws and regulations for the well-being of residents.”
Wahab further claimed that “the closure of Ladipo market serves as a stern reminder that no entity, regardless of its size or influence, is above the law, assuring 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.”
Reacting to the development, the Managing Director, 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 explained that the closure would serve as a clear signal that LAWMA would not hesitate to take decisive actions, where and when environmental laws were flouted.
