Lagos state government represented by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed on Friday that Ladipo Market in Mushin has been shut down immediately due to multiple environmental violations, including careless trash dumping, unsanitary conditions, and unpaid garbage bills, among others.
The market may remain closed for a while
He added that it was part of continuous efforts to enforce compliance in marketplaces around the state and that the market would stay closed until the statutory conditions of restitution were satisfied by traders and market stakeholders.
This was said in a statement released on Thursday by Kadiri Folashade, the director of public affairs for the ministry.
Lagos to maintaing hygiene in markets
Markets in the state must completely abide by the environmental laws and regulations set up for the well-being of inhabitants, said Wahab, who emphasised the crucial necessity of environmental hygiene in markets.
The closing of Ladipo Market is a stark reminder that no organisation, no matter how big or powerful, is beyond the law.
“Ladipo Market, a well-known centre for automotive spare parts and related services, has been a focal point for environmental concerns due to various activities that violate established regulations,” the commissioner stated.
The shut down was anticipated
An important step towards resolving these problems and bringing the industry into compliance is LAWMA’s engagement.
According to jerrymusa.com Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, responded by stating that the shutdown was anticipated to enable a full evaluation of the market’s activities’ effects on the environment and the adoption of appropriate corrective measures.
According to Gbadegesin, this would send a loud and clear message that LAWMA would move swiftly to enforce environmental rules wherever and whenever they were broken.
“It is essential that economic operations are carried out in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner as Lagos State continues to expand and develop. Recent efforts by LAWMA show the organization’s dedication to this cause.
The campaign against environmental violations will continue until order is restored in our marketplaces, and illicit markets will be the next target, he emphasised.