Markets Will Stay Closed Until Complete Compliance The Lagos State Government has taken the bold decision to close at least 13 marketplaces and commercial establishments between the Ketu and Ikorodu Road axis in order to enforce environmental compliance and protect public health. The move comes after a string of ignored warnings and a persistent pattern of traders and market operators in the impacted locations abusing the environment.
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In response to the development, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, reaffirmed the state’s uncompromising position on its Zero Tolerance for Waste campaign and threatened to permanently close any market or commercial establishment that does not adhere to the established standards of hygiene and appropriate waste disposal. “The zero tolerance for waste initiative remains fully implemented,” he stated. We’re not turning back.
Adopting and upholding respectable waste management procedures as specified by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is the only way for all marketplaces and traders to proceed. Until these requirements are fulfilled and maintained, the markets that are being closed will stay closed.
He mentioned the amenities and sealed markets as follows: 1. The Erukan Market 2. Ketu’s Oja Oba Market 3. Tundas Market in Owoseni 4. Market of Oba Ogunjobi 5. Store Owners at Mile 12 of the BRT Terminal 6. Market at Ketu Terminal (6 plazas) 7. Ifesowapo Market for Shop Owners 8. Ketu’s Demurin Street Plaza Shops 9. The Occupant, Ketu, 6 Demurin Road 10. Ketu’s Ifelodun Market 11. Ibadan Unit 1 Park (between Ikosi Fruit Market and Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market) 12. Tipper Garage Ketu 13.
Fruit Market in Ikosi Wahab stressed that until all impacted markets adopt thorough cleanliness protocols, acquire suitable trash cans, interact with PSP operators licensed by LAWMA, and exhibit consistent compliance through oversight and enforcement, the closures will be in effect indefinitely. Speaking on the subject, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, asked market leaders to ensure that all traders adhere to current waste management regulations in order to fully assume responsibility for the environmental conditions of their domains.
“Use the double dino bins, refrain from placing trash on roadsides and medians, which could impede traffic, turn on internal waste policing to keep an eye on market compliance, and pay your waste bills. “Markets that persist in disregarding these fundamental rules will be subject to severe penalties,” he stated. He cautioned that no plant would be exempt if it was discovered to be deficient in its environmental obligation, and that the enforcement campaign will be stepped up in the upcoming weeks.
Gbadegesin also reaffirmed LAWMA’s dedication to collaborating with all parties involved in the creation of a cleaner Lagos, emphasising that long-term outcomes depended on the collaboration of traders, citizens, and market groups. “LAWMA keeps using a lot of resources every day to remove trash from the city’s markets. However, inadequate internal waste management procedures frequently undermine these efforts. This must be altered. “More needs to be done by market leaders to make sure their members follow the law,” he said.
To report environmental violations or obtain advice on appropriate waste management, residents and traders are urged to contact LAWMA by phone at 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, or 617, or by email at info@lawma.gov.ng. Folashade Kadiri, Public Affairs Director, November 4, 2025
