Traders stranded as Lagos govt shuts Ladipo market

Traders stranded as Lagos govt shuts Ladipo market

 

Many traders at popular Ladipo auto part market in Mushin, Lagos, were stranded on Friday as they could not open their stores.

This followed the decision of the Lagos State Government to shut the market for reportedly keeping the environment untidy and failure to pay mandatory waste disposal fee.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, ordered the closure of the market in the early hours Friday.

The traders and shipowners were seen hanging around discussing the situation.

Mechanics in many fenced-in yards along Ojekunle Street as well as lockup shops within the area were also affected.

They could not access the premises.  Many of the places had a government tape indicating the place had been sealed off.

The commissioner said, “Ladipo Market, a prominent hub for automotive spare parts and related services, has been a focal point for environmental concerns due to various activities that contravene established regulations.

“Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA’s intervention is a significant step towards rectifying these issues and bringing the market to compliance.”

He stressed that the market would remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress were met by the traders and market stakeholders

Wahab added that it was part of ongoing efforts at instilling compliance in markets around the state.

The commissioner also said, “It is imperative that markets in the state adhere strictly to environmental laws and regulations put in place for the well-being of residents.

“The closure of Ladipo market serves as a stern reminder that no entity, regardless of its size or influence, is above the law.”

Managing Director, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that the closure would allow for a thorough assessment of the environmental impact of the market’s activities and the implementation of necessary remedial measures.