In a decisive move to combat environmental violations and improve public sanitation, the Lagos State Government has sealed 13 markets in the bustling districts of Mile 12 and Ketu for persistently breaching the state’s waste management regulations.
The closures, carried out on Thursday night, come on the heels of repeated infractions by market operators who have consistently disposed of refuse in unauthorized locations such as roads, medians, and public highways. The clampdown was spearheaded by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who confirmed the operation via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday morning.
According to Wahab, the affected markets were shut for violating the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017. The Commissioner emphasized that the government’s enforcement efforts were aimed at protecting public health, preserving the state’s sanitation infrastructure, and restoring order in areas plagued by environmental degradation.
“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 posted.
Among those affected were major trading hubs like Erukan Market and Oja Oba Market in Ketu, as well as Owoseni Tundas and Oba Ogunjobi Markets in Mile 12. These markets are known for their heavy human and vehicular traffic and serve as critical nodes in the city’s food distribution network. However, they have also become notorious for unhygienic practices and mounting waste issues, prompting residents and civil society groups to call for intervention.
Other businesses sealed include the Mile 12 Bus Stop Shops, the Shop Owners at the BRT Terminal in Mile 12, Ketu Terminal Market (comprising six commercial plazas), and Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market in Mile 12.
Demurin Street Plaza Shops in Ketu and other adjoining establishments such as the premises at 6 Demurin Road, Ketu, were also impacted. The Ifelodun Market in Ketu and the Ibadan Unit 1 Park situated between Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and the Ikosi Fruit Market, alongside the Ketu Tipper Garage, were not spared.
- Full List of Sealed Markets:
1. Erukan Market, Mile 12
2. Oja Oba Market, Ketu
3. Owoseni Tundas Market
4. Oba Ogunjobi Market, Mile 12
5. Shops at the BRT Terminal, Mile 12
6. Mile 12 Bus Stop Shops
7. Ketu Terminal Market (6 plazas)
8. Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market, Mile 12
9. Demurin Street Plaza Shops, Ketu
10. Occupant at 6 Demurin Road, Ketu
11. Ifelodun Market, Ketu
12. Ibadan Unit 1 Park
13. Ketu Tipper Garage
The sealed markets are crucial commercial arteries within Lagos, a city of over 20 million people where waste management has been a recurring challenge. Poor sanitation has led to flooding, public health hazards, and traffic congestion in densely populated neighborhoods like Mile 12 and Ketu. Traders and commuters frequently navigate piles of waste and clogged drainages that obstruct movement and spread disease.
Environmental advocacy groups have welcomed the government’s action, urging sustained enforcement across the metropolis. “It is no longer enough to merely warn market operators. We need action and consistency. These closures send a strong message,” said Afolabi Ogunbanjo, an environmental activist based in Lagos.
Under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017, improper waste disposal, especially in public spaces, is a punishable offense. The law mandates businesses, including markets, to adhere to approved methods of waste collection, storage, and evacuation through registered Private Sector Participants (PSPs).
Commissioner Wahab reiterated the need for collaboration, stating:
“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.”
While some traders expressed dismay over the sudden closure, others admitted that the warnings had been numerous.
“We’ve been warned several times, but many shop owners ignored them. Now our businesses are closed,” said a trader at the Mile 12 Bus Stop Shops, who spoke under anonymity.
There is growing concern among traders that prolonged market shutdowns could lead to significant economic losses, particularly for daily-income earners.
Experts argue that alongside enforcement, the state must increase public awareness and provide adequate waste disposal infrastructure within market environments. Market associations have been urged to engage with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to adopt compliant waste collection and recycling practices.
As the government intensifies its crackdown on environmental violations, market leaders in other parts of Lagos are now under pressure to ensure compliance or face similar sanctions.
The Lagos State Government has made it clear: there will be no room for environmental indiscipline in its goal to transform Lagos into a cleaner, healthier megacity.