BY Jude Egbas
Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources in Lagos, has ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo market in Mushin.
A statement signed by Kadiri Folashade, director of public affairs, quoted Wahab as saying that the market has been shuttered for several environmental offences, including reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills.
Wahab said the market will remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress have been met by traders and market stakeholders.
He said the move is part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with regulations in markets across the state.
“It is imperative that markets in the state adhere strictly to environmental laws and regulations put in place for the wellbeing of residents,” Wahab said.
“The closure of Ladipo market serves as a stern reminder that no entity, regardless of its size or influence, is above the law.”
He stated that the state government is fully committed to collaborating with stakeholders to facilitate necessary adjustments and improvements, in a bid 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,” the commissioner said.
“LAWMA’s intervention is a significant step towards rectifying these issues and bringing the market to compliance.”
In his reaction, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), said the closure would allow for a thorough assessment of the environmental impact of market activities and the implementation of necessary remedial measures.
He said this should serve as a clear signal that LAWMA would not hesitate to take decisive actions, where and when environmental laws were flouted.
“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,” Gbadegesin said.
“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 closure of the Ladipo market arrives on the heels of similar moves in Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, Oke-odo, and some sections of Tejuosho markets, over “serial infractions”.
“The decision to shut down those markets underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to the restoration of environmental sanity in the state,” the statement from Folashade reads.
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