In a bold move to enforce environmental standards, the Lagos State Government has sealed off 14 markets and commercial facilities along the Ketu and Ikorodu Road axis for flouting waste management laws.
The crackdown, announced on Friday by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, comes after repeated warnings and what he described as a “sustained pattern of environmental abuse” by market operators.
Zero Tolerance for Waste
Wahab reaffirmed the state’s commitment to its Zero Tolerance for Waste campaign, warning that any market or commercial facility found violating waste disposal regulations will face indefinite closure.
“The zero tolerance for waste initiative is still fully in force. We are not going back on it,” Wahab said. “Markets under closure will remain shut until these standards are met and sustained.”
Markets Affected
The following markets and commercial areas have been shut:
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Erukan Market
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Oja Oba Market, Ketu
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Owoseni Tundas Market
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Oba Ogunjobi Market
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Shops at BRT Terminal, Mile 12
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Ketu Terminal Market (6 plazas)
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Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market
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Demurin Street Plaza Shops, Ketu
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6 Demurin Road Occupants, Ketu
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Ifelodun Market, Ketu
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Ibadan Unit 1 Park (between Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market)
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Ketu Tipper Garage
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Ikosi Fruit Market
The Commissioner noted that these locations will remain shut until proper sanitation measures are in place, including the procurement of waste bins, engagement with LAWMA-licensed PSP operators, and proof of compliance through ongoing monitoring.
LAWMA Urges Responsibility from Market Leaders
Also speaking on the enforcement, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stressed that market leaders must take charge of their environments.
“The expectations are clear: use the double dino bins, avoid roadside dumping, activate internal waste policing, and pay your waste bills,” he said.
He warned that more enforcement actions are coming, and no market or facility would be spared if found guilty of poor waste management.
A Cleaner Lagos is Possible
Gbadegesin reiterated that LAWMA is committed to partnering with stakeholders to achieve a cleaner Lagos, but insisted that the onus remains on market operators and residents to follow laid-down waste management protocols.
“LAWMA continues to deploy massive resources daily to evacuate market waste. But poor internal waste practices are undermining these efforts. This has to change,” he stated.
Bottom Line: The Lagos State Government is taking a firm stance on environmental sanitation, and this latest move sends a clear message—compliance is not optional.
