The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has said that from next Thursday, both Ladipo and Oyingbo markets would be shut down till further notice.
It cited reckless waste dumping, refusal to pay for waste services, and general poor waste management situation at the markets as the reasons for the planned closure of the markets
LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, stated that the unwholesome environmental practices by traders in those markets, despite repeated warnings, demanded necessary and immediate sanctions.
He said: “Our attention has been drawn to the deplorable state of the environment around Ladipo Market, Mushin and Oyingbo Market, resulting from reckless waste dumping by traders. Despite serving them abatement notices, they have continued the mindless environmental violation. We are left with no other choice than to evoke the necessary sanction of shutting down the markets. This is also meant to serve as a deterrent to other nonchalant markets.”
“However, these efforts are being tainted by the activities of mischievous persons who would rather dump their waste indiscriminately on the roads, than pay for waste services,” Odumboni said.
He appealed to traders in other markets to adhere strictly to environmental hygiene or risk indefinite closure of their markets.