The Lagos State Government, in a sweeping enforcement action against environmental infractions, has sealed off 13 major markets in the Ketu and Mile 12 areas for persistently breaching the state’s waste management laws.
The move was announced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, where he detailed the scale and rationale behind the action.
According to Wahab, the enforcement exercise was carried out late Thursday night and targeted markets notorious for indiscriminate waste disposal, which has led to severe environmental degradation in public spaces, roads, medians, and highways within the metropolis.
“In line with our commitment to environmental sanity, Ketu and Mile 12 markets were successfully sealed last night for persistent violations, including illegal waste disposal on roads, medians, and highways – contrary to the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017,” Wahab stated.
The sealed premises include some of the most prominent and busiest trading hubs in Lagos. Among them are Erukan Market in Mile 12 and Oja Oba Market in Ketu, both of which have been frequently flagged for poor waste management and non-compliance with sanitation standards.
Others include Owoseni Tundas Market and Oba Ogunjobi Market, both located in Mile 12. In addition, Shops at the BRT Terminal in Mile 12, Mile 12 Bus Stop Shops, and the Ketu Terminal Market, which comprises six plazas, were also sealed for similar violations.
Further closures affected the Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market in Mile 12, Demurin Street Plaza Shops in Ketu, and The Occupant at 6 Demurin Road, Ketu. Authorities also shut down Ifelodun Market in Ketu, Ibadan Unit 1 Park, situated between the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market, as well as the Ketu Tipper Garage.
Wahab emphasised that the crackdown was not merely punitive but a corrective measure intended to instil a culture of responsibility and environmental consciousness among traders and market stakeholders.
“This action is not just about enforcement; it is about ensuring that market stakeholders take full responsibility for proper waste management going forward,” he said, stressing the importance of collaboration in restoring urban order.
The enforcement comes at a time when Lagos authorities are stepping up efforts to address the city’s growing waste crisis, which has become increasingly challenging in densely populated and high-traffic commercial areas.
The affected markets will remain closed until their waste disposal and environmental practices are brought into full compliance with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
“We cannot allow our markets to become breeding grounds for filth and health hazards,” Wahab concluded. “Let us all work together to build a cleaner, safer, and more responsible Lagos.”
