Lagos State’s Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, issued an immediate closure order for Ladipo Market in Mushin. The decision was prompted by a multitude of environmental violations, including reckless waste disposal, unsanitary conditions, and non-payment of waste bills, among others.
Wahab emphasized the critical significance of environmental cleanliness in markets and stated that Ladipo Market would remain closed until traders and market stakeholders fulfilled the mandatory conditions for remediation. This action is part of the ongoing effort to ensure compliance in markets across the state.
According to a statement from the Ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kadiri Folashade, Wahab stated, “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.”
Ladipo Market, known for automotive spare parts and related services, has long been a subject of environmental concerns due to various activities that violate established regulations. The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) will conduct a thorough assessment of the market’s environmental impact during the closure and implement necessary corrective measures.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, emphasized that this closure is a signal that LAWMA will take decisive actions when environmental laws are flouted. He stressed the importance of conducting economic activities sustainably and with environmental responsibility as Lagos State continues to grow and develop. The crackdown on environmental infractions will persist until order is restored in markets, with illegal markets being the next target.