By Peter Dansu The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to traders at the Alaba Rago Market, threatening to seal the facility...
By Peter Dansu
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the warning on Sunday during an inspection tour of several key areas, including Idi-Araba, Orile Iganmu, and Alaba Rago Market in Ojo Local Government Area.
Wahab expressed deep concern over the deplorable environmental conditions in Alaba Rago, where traders have reportedly taken over road medians and drainage channels, turning them into dumpsites and illegal trading zones.
“They have till Monday evening to vacate the road medians and stop dumping refuse in the drains. If they fail to comply, we will seal the market,” Wahab warned.
He disclosed that the market leaders have pledged to correct the violations, but the state government will not hesitate to enforce closure if there is no visible compliance.
In a move to restore environmental discipline, Wahab also announced that the state is considering a return to the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, which was suspended in 2016. The proposal is currently under review by the State Executive Council and, if approved, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will officially re-launch the initiative.
“Lagos is strongly considering bringing back the monthly environmental sanitation. It’s long overdue, and necessary if we’re serious about maintaining a clean and flood-free city,” he said.
The sanitation exercise, previously held on the last Saturday of every month between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., was discontinued due to concerns over restricting movement in the fast-paced megacity. However, recurring issues like blocked drainage systems and rampant illegal dumping have sparked public demand for its return.
Ahead of the upcoming Sallah celebration, Wahab reiterated the government's zero-tolerance stance on trading livestock on highways. He warned that only designated markets are approved for such activities, and any violations will attract penalties.
“Selling rams or any livestock on roads is against the law. We will not tolerate it,” he added.
During the tour, the Commissioner uncovered a disturbing trend of illegal waste disposal in Idi-Araba, where cart pushers are operating at a site that was long decommissioned as a dumpsite. Wahab described the activity as a serious environmental threat and vowed a clampdown.
“Cart pushing is banned in Lagos. There is a law in place, and we are intensifying enforcement. These illegal operators and their backers will be dealt with,” he affirmed.
He also ordered the immediate deployment of swamp buggies to clear the heavily silted Iganmu Channel in Orile, which has been blocked by indiscriminate dumping and is now obstructing stormwater flow.
To support waste management across the city, Wahab revealed that over 100 LAWMA trucks have been deployed to areas where PSP operators are underperforming. Still, he stressed that lasting change depends on residents taking personal responsibility for their environment.
“Bag your waste properly, avoid dumping on roads and drains, and always patronize licensed PSP operators. Government cannot do it alone,” Wahab urged.
The inspection covered critical locations including Ojerinde Street, Ewunmi Street, Wonuola Street, Takuro Street, Paul Okuntola Street, Taiwo Street (Idi-Araba), Alaba Rago Market (along the Badagry Expressway), and the Iganmu Channel.
He was accompanied by key government officials, including Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser on Environment; Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Drainage Services; Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA; Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd), Corps Marshal of KAI; and Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, General Manager of LASWMO.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a clean, safe, and livable environment for all and called on residents to be active partners by complying with environmental regulations.
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