The Lagos State Government has given traders at Alaba rago Market 24 hours to clean up their environment or risk having the market shut down again.
The warning was issued by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection tour of several areas in the state on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Wahab, who visited Alabarago Market, Idi-Araba, and Orile-Iganmu, said the state would not tolerate poor environmental practices that threaten public health and block drainage systems.
“We have been to Alabarago before, sometime last year, and we had to seal the market to make them do the right thing,” Wahab told journalists.
“Unfortunately, we may have to go down that road again. By tomorrow evening, we will decide whether or not to close the market,” he warned.
According to the commissioner, the traders have turned the market into a dumping ground and blocked drainage paths, which worsens flooding and makes the area dirty.
“They now use the place as a waste dumping site. They’ve pushed the market activities onto the road and blocked all the drainage systems,” Wahab said.
He added that the traders have promised to clean up the area before the 24-hour deadline ends.
“If they don’t clear everything by tomorrow evening, we will take action to sanction them,” he stated.
As the Sallah celebration approaches, Wahab also used the opportunity to urge residents to be more responsible with their surroundings.
“Keep your environment clean during and after Sallah. Contain your waste and allow PSP operators to take it away,” he advised.
“Let us celebrate responsibly by taking ownership of our environment,” he added.
The state government has continued its efforts to maintain a clean and safe environment in Lagos, warning that it will not hesitate to shut down areas that violate sanitation laws.
