The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed four markets and commercial plazas in the Ayobo-Ipaja area of Lagos State as part of an intensified crackdown on indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental violations.

The enforcement operation was carried out by LAWMA’s Project WISE team in the Ikeja West District and targeted facilities accused of failing to comply with approved waste-management regulations and previous directives from the authority.

The facilities sealed include Rock of Ages Plaza, Ajerogun I Market, Ayobo Market and Oba Plaza.

According to the authority, the enforcement followed monitoring of the area, which revealed persistent waste accumulation linked to improper disposal practices and non-compliance with approved waste collection arrangements.

The action is part of LAWMA’s broader enforcement strategy aimed at preventing markets, plazas and other commercial locations from becoming sources of indiscriminate dumping. The authority’s official procedures provide for the monitoring of markets and plazas, assignment of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators and enforcement against facilities that fail to comply with waste-management requirements.

The sealing exercise coincided with a major waste evacuation operation along the Ayobo-Ipaja corridor.

LAWMA teams moved to remove accumulated refuse from locations including Oluwaga Bus Stop near Sawmill, the Ayobo Road median around Rainoil, Atan Nla by TCN, the Ayobo Police Post axis and Megida Bus Stop.

The authority said the objective was not only to remove existing waste but also to prevent the affected locations from returning to illegal dumping spots.

During monitoring operations in the area, enforcement officers also impounded two commercial tricycles allegedly caught transporting household waste for illegal disposal along highway medians.

LAWMA reiterated that markets, plazas, businesses and other commercial establishments are expected to use approved waste collection arrangements rather than dispose of refuse indiscriminately.

The authority’s current PSP directory lists several licensed operators serving different wards and areas within Ayobo-Ipaja, including Ayobo, Atan, Bada/Megida, Ipaja and designated Ayobo-Ipaja wards.

LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said sustained improvement in the environment would require cooperation from residents, traders, businesses and other waste generators.

He warned that the authority would continue taking enforcement action against facilities and individuals whose activities contribute to indiscriminate dumping.

The authority also cautioned against tampering with official seals or obstructing enforcement officers, warning that such actions could lead to prosecution under Lagos State environmental laws.

The affected facilities are expected to remain closed until their management complies with the relevant waste-management requirements, settles outstanding regulatory obligations and engages approved waste collection operators.

LAWMA has previously stated that it uses enforcement measures, including sealing shops, houses and markets, to discourage improper waste disposal across Lagos.