The renowned Alaba International Market, located along the Lagos Badagy Expressway, has been closed down on account of environmental violations. The Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on X formerly Twitter.
The closure took effect on Monday, October 23rd, 2023. According to the Commissioner’s statement, inadequate waste disposal practices coupled with failure to pay outstanding waste bills and severe sanitation offences necessitated the market’s sealing.
Alaba International Market is not alone in facing such a fate due to environmental issues. In recent weeks, various markets have been shut down by the Lagos State Government over similar concerns; however they were reopened after thorough assessments were conducted.
Some of these markets include Ladipo Market, Agbado Oke-Odo Market,Oyingbo Market , Alayabiagba Market , Alamutu (Ologede)Market and sections of Tejuosho market . Muyiwa Gbadegesin,the Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Agency(LAWMA), explained that LAWMA arrived at its decision to close down these markets after providing several warnings regarding their non-compliance with Environmental Protection Laws established by the state government.
Despite efforts made by LAWMA towards enhancing environmental conditions within these areas,certain individuals and market operators continue to disregard established laws and regulations thereby subverting all attempts towards achieving cleaner surroundings.
According to Gbadegesin, despite the various efforts made by LAWMA to enhance the environment, certain individuals and markets have subverted their endeavors by noncompliance with the established laws and regulations.
By Osaiyekemwen Confidence
