LAWMA shuts markets for ignoring waste rules

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA has shut down no fewer than 13 markets and commercial facilities along the Ketu and Ikorodu Road axis due to repeated environmental violations and failure to adhere to proper waste management practices.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, who noted that the closures followed multiple warnings that were ignored by market operators and traders in the affected areas.

Among the sealed locations are Erukan Market, Oja Oba, Ketu Market, Owoseni Tundas, Oba Ogunjobi Market, Mile 12 Market, and the Ketu Terminal Market (which includes six plazas). Others include shop owners at the BRT Terminal, Ifesowapo Market, Demurin Street Plaza Shops, Occupants of 6 Demurin Road, Ifelodun Market in Ketu, the Ibadan Unit 1 Park (located between Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market), Ketu Tipper Garage, and Ikosi Fruit Market.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to its “Zero Tolerance for Waste” campaign. He emphasized that any market or commercial outlet failing to meet established cleanliness and waste disposal standards would be shut down indefinitely.

“Our zero tolerance for waste initiative remains fully in force,” Wahab said. “Markets must embrace proper sanitation and adopt the standards outlined by LAWMA. The affected markets will remain closed until full compliance is achieved and maintained.”

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He explained that for the closures to be lifted, the markets must implement comprehensive sanitation measures, provide appropriate waste disposal bins, and partner with LAWMA-licensed Private Sector Participants (PSPs) for waste collection. In addition, sustained compliance will be monitored and enforced before reopening can be considered.

Also commenting on the development, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, called on market leaders to take full responsibility for the environmental hygiene of their markets. He urged them to ensure that traders comply with waste management regulations and adopt internal mechanisms to enforce compliance.

“The expectations are clear,” Gbadegesin said. “Use double dino bins, avoid dumping waste on roads and medians, maintain internal waste policing systems, and pay your waste bills. Markets that fail to meet these basic standards will face sanctions.”

He warned that LAWMA would intensify its enforcement operations in the coming weeks and that no facility would be spared if found guilty of environmental negligence. Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s dedication to building a cleaner Lagos in collaboration with market associations, traders, and residents.

“LAWMA invests massive resources every day to clear market waste across Lagos. However, these efforts are constantly undermined by poor waste practices within the markets themselves. This must stop,” he said.

Gbadegesin encouraged residents and traders to report environmental violations or seek assistance with proper waste disposal practices by calling LAWMA’s toll-free numbers—080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, or 617—or by emailing info@lawma.gov.ng.

NAN