Lagos State Government on Friday announced a total ban on street trading, hawking, building of illegal structures on drainage setbacks, and the display of wares on walkways across the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos.
Wahab said that the State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has been directed to strictly enforce compliance with the environmental Sanitation laws.
The commissioner explained that the latest offensive was meant to curb the activities of hawkers who disguise themselves to rob motorists and also disrupt the free flow of traffic on highways and streets.
In a related development, the state government has also ordered that Ladipo Market be shut down for environmental offences, including reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills, among others.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who gave the order, said the market would remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress are met by the traders and market stakeholders. He added that it was part of ongoing efforts at instilling compliance in markets around the state.
He said: “It is imperative that markets 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.”
Wahab reiterated that the government is fully committed to collaborating with market stakeholders to facilitate necessary adjustments and improvements, to enable them to meet required environmental standards. He added that the market will not be reopened for business until set standards are met.
“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.”
Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the closure was to allow for a thorough assessment of the environmental impact from the market’s activities, and the implementation of necessary remedial measures.
“This serves as a clear signal that LAWMA would not hesitate to take decisive actions, where and when environmental laws are 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 its 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.
Other markets that have been shut include Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, Oke-Odo, and some sections of Tejuosho Market, for serial infractions.
