In an effort to sanitise the environment, the Lagos State Government recently pounced on markets, malls and facilities contravening the state’s environmental law of 2017. This has, however, put the livelihood of millions in jeopardy as several markets across the state have been shut.
At the last count, no fewer than five markets were shut within the last two weeks, amidst rising concerns over environmental infractions as the traders allegedly failed to comply with the provisions of the state’s environmental law, which requires the occupants of a building or facility to provide waste receptacles to be used for depositing waste.
The government, therefore, said the closure spree was part of efforts to tackle “pervasive filth in markets across the state.”
The markets shut so far include Ile Epo, Alamusi Ologede, Mushin, Tejuosho plazas, Ladipo spare parts markets in Ikeja; Oyingbo market, Alayabiagba. Several malls around Lekki have also been shut.
Shutting down the Alamutu market, the managing director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin said, “It is paramount that we maintain a hygienic environment in our markets. This action is not just a response to the Alamutu market conditions but a part of LAWMA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that markets in Lagos meet the required standard of cleanliness and sanitation.”
But traders have continued to raise concerns over indiscriminate closure of markets, saying the timing is not only wrong but adding to their woes in moments of challenging economic conditions.
One of the traders, Callistus Chukwunenye said, “It is absolute nonsense to lock people out of their source of income. People are suffering, and instead of you helping them you decided to lock their shops with the excuse that the markets are dirty. Why can’t you lock the shops in a day and everyone in that market joins hands to clean it up?
The Commissioner for Environmental and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, whose ministry supervises LAWMA and gives all the directives on market closure 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.”
