The Lagos State Government, has announced the immediate closure of Mile 12 International and Owode Onirin markets.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, the markets were sealed for filth and various environmental infractions.

He stated that the markets were closed in a joint operation carried out by enforcement officers from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) on the directives of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

Speaking on the operation, Wahab insisted on zero tolerance for filth and dirty environment in all markets in the state.

He said, “Recent events at Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets have brought to light the pressing need for strict adherence to sanitation standards in our markets. The closure, though a difficult decision, is a necessary step to address the prevailing environmental challenges and to ensure the safety and well-being of all stakeholders.

“The closure of Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets will enable the stakeholders to assess the situation and improve public health and environmental sanity around those axes. Conditions in the markets have deteriorated to a point where immediate intervention became inevitable”.

The Commissioner emphasized that the enforcement action was not an isolated event, but part of a broader strategy to instill a culture of cleanliness and compliance with environmental regulations across the board for markets within the state.

Beesreign Media has reported extensively on the crackdown on street trading, and filthy environment which has led to several closures of markets and demolition of illegal structures. You can find the reports here, here, here and here.