The Lagos State government has sealed Oke-Afa Market in Isolo, as well as the Katangua Market at Abule Egba, for committing grave environmental infractions.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, while announcing the closure of the two markets, said: “The sealing of these markets is a necessary step to compel compliance and safeguard public health.”
Wahab warned that the markets would remain sealed until stringent hygiene and waste disposal measures are implemented.
“The government has not jettisoned its zero tolerance for waste initiative, which we have been pursuing since last year. The only way for markets and traders is to engage in decent and civilised waste disposal practices as outlined by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). Any market or facility that runs foul of this arrangement will face sanctions.
“The health and well-being of our residents are paramount. We cannot allow a few to endanger the health of many through irresponsible environmental practices,” said Wahab.
On his part, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, urged market executives to mobilise their members to abide by waste management regulations, including the use of the double dino bins provided for markets and the observance of hygienic habits in their activities.
“The rules of engagement are simple enough and the markets are all familiar with them: do not dispose of waste recklessly; use the dino bins; shun waste disposal on the road median around markets; deploy waste policing to prevent and apprehend outsiders messing up your markets; and pay your waste bills promptly. It is as simple as that,” he said.
Gbadegesin reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment, stressing that cooperation from all stakeholders, including market operators and traders, was crucial.
“LAWMA deploys resources daily to clear waste from markets across the State. However, our efforts are often hampered by poor waste management practices within the markets themselves.
“We urge traders and market authorities to adopt responsible waste disposal habits and work with LAWMA to maintain clean and healthy environments,” he said.
Gbadegesin urged residents to report waste management-related issues on LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617 or send an email to info@lawma.gov.ng.