LAWMA Takes Stringent Measures Against Environmental Offenders, Closes Ladipo, Tejuosho Markets

By Yemi Olakitan

In an unwavering effort to uphold environmental standards and ensure a cleaner Lagos, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) executed a decisive campaign against environmental violations over the weekend.

Multiple plazas near Tejuosho Market in Yaba felt the impact of this operation as they were temporarily shut down.

The closure of these plazas was in response to a multitude of offenses, including trading activities that obstructed the free flow of traffic and improper disposal of waste, among other transgressions.

These plazas primarily included those in close proximity to the Mobil Filling Station and those flanking both sides of the renowned Okrika market.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, explained that these plazas had been found in violation of essential environmental regulations.

These violations encompassed indiscriminate waste dumping on road medians, the unauthorized use of road setbacks for trading, hindrance of traffic flow, and the operation of illegal motor parks in the vicinity.

Dr. Gbadegesin declared, “LAWMA is fully committed to upholding high environmental standards throughout the state, in accordance with our zero-tolerance policy for environmental breaches. These ongoing enforcement operations are integral to our overarching initiatives aimed at maintaining proper sanitation standards in public areas such as markets and roadways.”

He urged all stakeholders, including market associations, traders, and local residents, to collaborate with LAWMA to ensure that markets adhere to established environmental standards.

Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized that cooperation was pivotal in creating an inviting urban environment that supports both trade and public well-being.

“The affected plazas must promptly make the necessary adjustments to meet the required standards before they can resume their business activities. LAWMA will continue to monitor and enforce compliance with environmental regulations,” he added.

This enforcement operation is part of LAWMA’s broader program to enhance market sanitation across the state.

In a related development, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, has ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo Market in Mushin.

This action is in response to numerous environmental offenses, including reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and failure to pay waste bills, among other violations.

Mr. Wahab affirmed that the market would remain closed until traders and market stakeholders fulfilled the required conditions for remediation.

He stressed that this measure was part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance in markets across the state.

Speaking about this development, Mr. Wahab emphasized the critical importance of environmental hygiene in markets, stating, “It is imperative that markets in the state strictly adhere to environmental laws and regulations 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 further stated that the state government was fully committed to working with market stakeholders to facilitate necessary adjustments and improvements to meet the required environmental standards. The market will only be reopened for business when these standards are met.

Mr. Wahab noted, “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 into compliance.”

In response to the closure, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, emphasized that this action was necessary for a comprehensive assessment of the market’s environmental impact and the implementation of remedial measures. It serves as a clear signal that LAWMA will not hesitate to take decisive actions when environmental laws are violated.

“As Lagos State continues to grow and develop, it is imperative that economic activities are conducted in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. LAWMA’s recent actions demonstrate the authority’s commitment to this cause. The fight against environmental infractions will persist until sanity is restored in our markets, with the next target being illegal markets,” he stressed.

Kadiri Folashade, the Director of Public Affairs, highlighted that the closure of Ladipo Market follows similar actions taken against Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, Oke-odo markets, and some sections of Tejuosho Market due to serial infractions.

This underscores the state government’s unwavering commitment to restoring environmental sanity in the state.