The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo Market in the Mushin area of the state for several environmental offences including, reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills, among others.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the declaration in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Kadiri Folashade, on Friday, September 29, 2023.

The commissioner said the market would remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress were met by traders and market stakeholders, adding that the closure was part of ongoing efforts at instilling compliance in markets around the state.

Wahab added: “It is imperative that markets in the state adhere strictly to environmental laws and regulations put in place for the well-being of residents.

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“The closure of Ladipo Market serves as a stern reminder that no entity, regardless of its size or influence, is above the law.”

He further reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to collaborating with market stakeholders, to facilitate necessary adjustments and improvements, to enable them to meet required environmental standards.

The commissioner added that the market would not be reopened for business until set standards were met, saying: “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.”

Also speaking on the development, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the closure would allow a thorough assessment of the environmental impact of the market’s activities and the implementation of necessary remedial measures.

Gbadegesin stressed that LAWMA would not hesitate to take decisive actions, where and when environmental laws were flouted.

The Star