LAWMA Moves to Shut Sections of Oshodi Market Over Sanitation Violations

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued notices of possible closure to some sections of Oshodi Market following repeated environmental sanitation offences.
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‎The notices, tagged “Intention to Seal Notices,” were delivered on Monday by LAWMA’s Project WISE team during a compliance monitoring exercise carried out across the market. The development was disclosed in a statement released by the authority on Tuesday in Lagos.
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‎According to LAWMA, the enforcement action became necessary due to continued improper waste disposal, unhygienic practices and failure by some traders and operators to comply with approved waste management guidelines.
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‎The agency’s Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, explained that the exercise was part of ongoing efforts to improve sanitation standards in Lagos markets.
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‎Gbadegesin noted that traders and business owners affected by the notices had previously been engaged through environmental awareness campaigns, compliance meetings and inspection visits, but the situation had not improved significantly.
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‎He said the notices were issued to give the affected businesses a final opportunity to address the identified violations before further enforcement steps are taken.
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‎“The Intention to Seal Notices provide the affected traders and business operators with another opportunity to take immediate corrective action and comply with prescribed environmental sanitation requirements,” he stated.
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‎The LAWMA chief described indiscriminate dumping of refuse and other environmental offences as dangers to public health and the sustainability of the environment.
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‎He urged market associations, traders and business operators to keep their surroundings clean, work with authorised waste collection operators and ensure proper disposal of waste through approved channels.
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‎Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to combining public sensitisation with enforcement measures to encourage responsible environmental habits across Lagos.
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‎He added that the approach aligns with the Lagos State Government’s goal of creating a cleaner, safer and more habitable city.