The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo Market, Mushin, for several environmental offenses including, reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills, among others.
He said the market would remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress were met by traders and market stakeholders, adding that it was part of ongoing efforts at instilling compliance in markets around the state.
This was contained in a statement by the ministry’s Director, Public Affairs, Kadiri Folashade, on Thursday.
Wahab, who underscored the critical importance of environmental hygiene in markets, said, “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.”
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.”
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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.
This, Gbadegesin said, would serve 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.
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