Lagos shuts down 13 markets over environmental violations

In a major enforcement action, the Lagos State Government has sealed off 13 markets across the state for persistent environmental violations, including the indiscriminate dumping of waste on streets, road medians, and highways.

The closures, which took place on Thursday night, were announced by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

Wahab cited breaches of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017 as the reason for the crackdown.

“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.

“These enforcement actions are necessary to safeguard public health and restore order to our public spaces. Market stakeholders must take responsibility for proper waste management going forward.

“Let us work together to build a cleaner, safer, and more responsible Lagos,” he added.

Markets affected by the clampdown include Erukan Market in Mile 12, Oja Oba in Ketu, Owoseni Tundas Market, and Oba Ogunjobi Market—locations long associated with poor sanitation practices.

The action also impacted various commercial spaces: shops at the Mile 12 BRT Terminal, Mile 12 Bus Stop outlets, and the Ketu Terminal Market, which houses six plazas. Other sealed locations include Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market in Mile 12, Demurin Street Plaza Shops in Ketu, and a business premise at 6 Demurin Road.

Further closures extended to Ifelodun Market in Ketu, the Ibadan Unit 1 Park near Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market, as well as the Ketu Tipper Garage.

The government emphasized that the initiative aims to reinforce environmental discipline and improve living conditions in the bustling metropolis.