Lagos to shut down Ladipo, Oyingbo market over reckless waste dumping

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) said that, from next Thursday, both Ladipo and Oyingbo markets would be shut down till further notice over poor waste management situation at the two markets.

LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, noted that the unwholesome environmental practices by traders in those markets, despite repeated warnings, called for necessary and immediate sanctions.

“Despite serving them abatement notices, they have continued the mindless environmental violation. We are left with no other choice than to evoke the necessary sanction of shutting down the markets. This is also meant to serve as a deterrent to other nonchalant markets.”

He said that the authority had, in recent times, redoubled its efforts to ensure that business activities in all Lagos markets were carried out in a clean and safe environment, for the good of all.

READ ALSO: Ladipo Market Association commends Lagos Govt

Odumboni noted further that: “We have intensified our sanitation efforts by deploying trucks to clear black spots across the metropolis, especially business facilities.

“However, these efforts are being tainted by the activities of mischievous persons who would rather dump their waste indiscriminately on the roads, than pay for waste services.”

He urged traders in other markets to adhere strictly to environmental hygiene or risk indefinite closure of their markets.

In another development, a mobile court sitting in Oshodi has sentenced two environmental offenders, for waste burning and dumping refuse in the drain during rainfall, both were apprehended at Ikeja and Lekki axis respectively.

The first offender was sentenced on a two-count charge: one year imprisonment or a N50,000 fine, and one month imprisonment, without the option of a fine. The second offender was remanded in a correctional facility, pending bail conditions.