In a major crackdown on environmental violations, the Lagos State Government has sealed 13 markets in the Mile 12 and Ketu areas for persistent breaches of the state’s waste management laws.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement on Friday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that the affected markets were shut on Thursday night due to repeated instances of illegal waste disposal on roads, medians, and highways.
Wahab emphasized that the clampdown aligns with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017 and is aimed at safeguarding public health and restoring order to the city’s overcrowded public spaces.
“In line with our commitment to environmental sanity, Ketu and Mile 12 markets were successfully sealed last night for persistent violations,” Wahab posted. “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.”
Among the sealed locations are well-known trading hubs such as Erukan Market in Mile 12, Oja Oba Market in Ketu, Owoseni Tundas Market, Oba Ogunjobi Market, and the Ketu Terminal Market which includes six plazas. The operation also affected shops at the BRT Terminal in Mile 12, Mile 12 Bus Stop, Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market, Demurin Street Plaza Shops, and the occupant at 6 Demurin Road, Ketu.
Other affected sites include Ifelodun Market in Ketu, Ibadan Unit 1 Park (situated between Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market), and the Ketu Tipper Garage.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on environmental infractions and urged market leaders and traders to adopt responsible waste disposal practices to prevent further disruptions to commercial activities.
Wahab concluded by calling for collaboration: “Let us work together to build a cleaner, safer, and more responsible Lagos.”
