The Lagos Waste Management Authority has shut Oke-Odo Market, near Ile-Epo, Abule Egba, over illegal waste disposal and gross environmental misconduct.

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, announced the closure on Wednesday.

Gbadegesin said the move became imperative to make the market operators adhere to environmental laws and regulations, and to warn defaulting markets around the state to do the needful or risk closure.

He said, “The closure of Oke-Odo Market underscores LAWMA’s commitment to ensuring that public spaces meet the required cleanliness standards. We will not compromise on the health and well-being of residents.”

Gbadegesin called on the market operators and stakeholders to take the action as a wake-up call to institute robust cleanliness practices within their premises.

He also urged residents and business owners to embrace current efforts by the Authority to establish a more hygienic and livable environment across the metropolis, adding that a clean environment was not just an aesthetic concern but a fundamental aspect of public health.

Gbadegesin enjoined the populace to seek the services of assigned Private Sector, Participant operators, instead of resorting to disposing of their waste indiscriminately, adding that LAWMA would not hesitate to sanction markets or individuals that violate environmental laws in the state.

He urged the public to call LAWMA toll-free numbers for waste management related issues.