Lagos Orders Closure Of Ladipo Spareparts Market

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has ordered immediate closure of Ladipo Market, Mushin, for several environmental offenc­es ranging from reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills, among others.
Wahab said that the market would remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress were met by traders and market stakeholders, adding that it was part of ongoing efforts at instilling compliance in markets around the state.
Wahab, while speaking on the development, underscored the critical importance of environmental hygiene in markets.
He said: “It is imperative that markets in the state adhere strict­ly to environmental laws and regulations put in place for the well-being of residents.
“The closure of Ladipo Market serves as a stern reminder that no entity, regardless of its size or influence, is above the law.”
He stated that the state government was fully committed to collaborating with market stake­holders, to facilitate necessary adjustments and improvements, to enable them meet required environmental standards, add­ing that the market would not be reopened for business until set standards were met.
The commissioner said, “Lad­ipo Market, a prominent hub for automotive spare parts and related services, has been a focal point for environmental concerns due to various activities that con­travene established regulations. LAWMA’s intervention is a signif­icant step towards rectifying these issues and bringing the market to compliance.”
In his reaction, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. MuyiwaGbadegesin, said that the closure was expected to allow for a thorough assessment of the envi­ronmental impact of the market’s activities and the implementation of necessary remedial measures, serving as a clear signal that LAW­MA would not hesitate to take de­cisive actions, where and when environmental laws were flouted.
“As Lagos State continues to grow and develop, it is impera­tive that economic activities are conducted in a manner that is sustainable and environmentally responsible.”
“LAWMA’s recent actions demonstrate the authority’s commitment to this cause. The offensive against environmen­tal infractions will continue till sanity is restored in our markets, while the next stop will be illegal markets,” he stressed.
The closure of Ladipo Market follows a similar action taken against Oyingbo, Alayabiagba, Oke-odo markets, and some sec­tions of Tejuosho Market, for se­rial infractions.
The decision to shut down those markets underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to the restoration of environmental sanity in the state.