Photo Credit: Tokunbo Wahab (X)
The Lagos state government has closed down 13 markets in the Ketu and Mile 12 areas.of Kosofe local government area of Lagos state
The closures were due to “persistent environmental violations, including illegal waste disposal practices that contravene the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017”, the government said.
Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos commissioner for environment and water resources, said the markets were sealed “for persistent illegal waste disposal on roads, medians, and highways”.
“These enforcement actions are necessary to safeguard public health and restore order to our public spaces. Market stakeholders must take responsibility for proper waste management going forward,” he added.
The sealed markets include Erukan Market, Mile 12; Oja Oba Market, Ketu; Owoseni Tundas Market; Oba Ogunjobi Market, Mile 12; Shops Owners at BRT Terminal, Mile 12; Mile 12 Bus Stop Shops; Ketu Terminal Market with six plazas; Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market, Mile 12; and Demurin Street Plaza Shops, Ketu.
Others are Occupant, 6 Demurin Road, Ketu; Ifelodun Market, Ketu; Ibadan Unit 1 Park between Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market; and Ketu Tipper Garage.
Authorities said the clampdown is part of a broader commitment to restoring order and cleanliness to public spaces.
The government reiterated its call for collaboration from residents, traders, and stakeholders to build a cleaner, safer, and more responsible Lagos.
This is not the first time markets have been closed in Lagos for environmental reasons.
In 2023, the state government ordered the immediate closures of Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets over filth and various environmental infractions.
The Lagos state ministry of environment and water resources said the markets were closed during a joint operation by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps
