Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has given a directive for the immediate closure of Ladipo Market in Mushin Local Government Area due to numerous environmental violations, such as improper waste disposal, unsanitary conditions, and failure to pay waste bills.
The closure was announced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who stated that the market will re-open only when the traders and market stakeholders have fulfilled certain mandatory requirements.
Mr. Wahab stressed the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in markets, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to environmental laws and regulations for the well-being of residents in the state.
He noted that, “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.”
He affirmed the government’s commitment to working together with market stakeholders to implement necessary adjustments and improvements that would enable them to meet the required environmental standards. He made it clear that the market will remain closed until these conditions are 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. LAWMA’s intervention is a significant step towards rectifying these issues and bringing the market to compliance”.
In his reaction, the Managing Director/CEO of 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.
“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 offensive against environmental infractions will continue till sanity is restored in our markets, while the next stop will be illegal markets”, he stressed.
The closure of Ladipo Market follows a similar action taken against Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, Oke-odo markets, and some sections of Tejuosho Market, for serial infractions.
