The Lagos State Government has given traders at Alabarago Market a 24-hour deadline to comply with environmental regulations or face immediate closure, following an unscheduled inspection by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, on Sunday.
The inspection, which also covered Idi-Araba and Orile-Iganmu, revealed persistent sanitation issues, including illegal waste dumping and blocked drainage systems.
Wahab, addressing the press during the visit, noted that Alabarago Market had been sealed in 2024 for similar violations but warned that traders have reverted to poor waste management practices. “We had to seal the market last year to compel compliance,” he said. “If the traders fail to clean up the environment by monday evening, we will enforce appropriate sanctions.”
The inspection exposed Alabarago Market as a de facto dumpsite, with traders discarding waste onto public roads and obstructing drainage channels. Wahab described visible garbage piles and a disregard for proper drainage alignment, which he said threatens public health and infrastructure.
The commissioner’s visit also highlighted systemic issues in Lagos’ waste management framework. In Idi-Araba, Wahab uncovered evidence of a “cart-pusher syndicate” operating in violation of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, which bans such activities. “We have intelligence suggesting a coordinated illegal operation,” he said, adding that law enforcement agencies would be briefed this week to address the issue.
In Orile-Iganmu, Wahab assessed System 5, a critical drainage channel plagued by debris. While parts of the drainage project have been awarded, he emphasized the need for urgent clearing to ensure water flow. “The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) will commence debris evacuation this week to support the broader effort,” he stated.
With Eid El-Kabir celebrations approaching, Wahab urged residents to prioritize cleanliness and proper waste disposal. “Let’s celebrate responsibly,” he said. “Contain your waste and allow PSP operators to do their job.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to environmental safety, warning that habitual offenders would face strict penalties.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The ultimatum highlights Lagos State’s ongoing efforts to enforce environmental regulations and maintain a clean, sustainable urban ecosystem. Failure to comply by Monday evening could lead to the immediate closure of Alabarago Market, signaling the government’s zero-tolerance stance on sanitation violations.
