The Lagos State government took action yesterday by closing down the Ogba City Mall in Ikeja and the Ajah Market in Etti-Osa due to various violations related to waste disposal. This enforcement was carried out by a joint team comprising the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences, LASTMA, and LAGSEC (KAI).
Additionally, shanties and unauthorized structures belonging to street vendors near the Ajah BRT corridor and Ajah Jubilee Bridge were cleared by the enforcement team. Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, explained that this enforcement action was part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat littering and improper waste disposal by markets and businesses across the state.
He said: “We are stepping up action on this administration’s zero tolerance for filth and reckless waste disposal by traders and business facilities. We have continuously warned business owners to expect action if they refuse to do the needful to sustain the environment. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration will not relent in its pursuit of this lofty objective for overriding public good.”
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, emphasized that the zero-tolerance campaign is an ongoing effort. He advised market and business stakeholders to proactively maintain clean and sanitary premises.
The LAWMA boss said: “For the umpteenth time, we are encouraging all business owners and the markets to shun filth and put measures in place, to guarantee responsible waste disposal in their places of operation. Gbadegesin warned that enforcement action will surely reach the doorstep of defaulters, urging them to play by the rules.