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 Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who ordered the closure in the early hours Friday, said the market would remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress were met by traders and market stakeholders, adding that it was part of ongoing efforts at instilling compliance in markets around the state.
Speaking further, Wahab emphasized the critical importance of environmental hygiene in markets, stating that, “It is important that markets in the state keep strictly to environmental laws and regulations put in place for the good
of all residents.
The closure of Ladipo market is to make all not minding position or influence, is above the law.”
Wahab also reintegrated the state government committed to collaborating with market stakeholders, to make necessary adjustments and improvements, to help them meet expected environmental standards, saying that the market would not be reopened for business until such standards were met.
The commissioner 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. Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA’s intervention is a significant step towards rectifying these issues and bringing the market to compliance.”
In his response, the Managing Director, LAWMA, Dr. 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.
According to him, “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 fight against neglect of environmental standards will continue until sanity is restored in our markets as the next point will be illegal markets.
This closure of Ladipo Market followed same action taken against Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, Oke-Odo Markets, and some sections of Tejuosho Market, for same continues neglect.
