By The Lagos State Government has taken decisive action to enforce environmental cleanliness and protect public health by sealing a total of thirteen markets located across the state. This stringent measure comes as a response to the persistent and flagrant violations of environmental laws, specifically concerning the illegal and improper disposal of waste.
The state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, officially announced these enforcement actions through a statement released on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday. Commissioner Wahab emphasized that these measures are fully in accordance with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017, which is designed to ensure responsible and sustainable waste management practices and maintain a high standard of public order throughout the state.
Of particular note, two of the state’s major markets, Ketu and Mile 12, were sealed by government authorities on Thursday night due to their consistent and repeated violations of waste disposal regulations. These violations included the unacceptable practice of indiscriminately dumping waste on public roads, along road medians, and on major highways, creating unsanitary conditions and posing significant risks to public health and the environment.
The sealing of these thirteen markets underscores the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to upholding environmental standards and ensuring that all commercial activities within the state are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. The government’s action sends a clear message that it will not tolerate the persistent disregard for environmental laws and that those who violate these regulations will face strict consequences.
Commissioner Wahab reiterated the importance of proper waste management and urged all market operators and traders to adhere strictly to the state’s environmental laws. He emphasized that the government’s primary objective is to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all residents of Lagos State and that these enforcement actions are a necessary step towards achieving that goal.
The sealed markets will remain closed until the necessary corrective actions are taken by the market authorities and traders to ensure proper waste management practices are implemented and sustained. The Lagos State Government has indicated that it will continue to monitor all markets across the state and will not hesitate to take further enforcement actions against those found to be in violation of environmental laws.
This decisive move by the Lagos State Government demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental protection and public health, signaling a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal waste disposal and a determination to maintain a clean and healthy urban environment for all its citizens.
