Lagos Closes Mile 12, Ketu, and 11 Other Markets Due to Illegal Waste Disposal

The Lagos State Government has shut down 13 markets in the Ketu and Mile 12 areas for repeatedly violating the state’s waste management regulations.

Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced the closures in a post on his X account on Friday morning.

Wahab explained that the markets were closed due to ongoing infractions, such as illegal waste disposal on roads, medians, and highways, which violate the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

He stated that the closures took place on Thursday night, emphasizing that they were necessary to protect public health and bring order to the city’s overcrowded public spaces.

He said, “In line with our commitment to environmental sanity, Ketu and Mile 12 markets were successfully sealed last night for persistent violations, including illegal waste disposal on roads, medians, and highways – contrary to the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

“These enforcement actions are necessary to safeguard public health and restore order to our public spaces. Market stakeholders must take responsibility for proper waste management going forward.

“Let us work together to build a cleaner, safer, and more responsible Lagos.”

The closure affected several markets, including Erukan Market in Mile 12 and Oja Oba Market in Ketu, both of which had been notorious for poor waste management practices.

Other markets that were sealed include Owoseni Tundas Market and Oba Ogunjobi Market in Mile 12. The clampdown also extended to shops at the BRT Terminal and Mile 12 Bus Stop Shops, as well as the Ketu Terminal market, which has six plazas.

Additionally, the Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market in Mile 12, Demurin St Plaza Shops in Ketu, and businesses on 6 Demurin Road in Ketu were affected. Other locations impacted by the operation included Ifelodun Market in Ketu, the Ibadan Unit 1 Park located between Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market, and the Ketu Tipper Garage.