On Friday, many vendors at the well-known Ladipo auto part market in Mushin, Lagos, were left without a way to open their shops.
This came after the Lagos State Government decided to close the market for allegedly maintaining an unsightly environment and failing to pay the required waste disposal fee.
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for the environment and water resources, gave the order to close the market early on Friday.
The shipowners and dealers were observed lingering nearby and talking about the circumstance.
Lockup stores in the neighbourhood as well as mechanics in numerous fenced-in yards along Ojekunle Street were also impacted.
They were unable to enter the building. A government tape in many of the locations indicated that the area had been blocked off.
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.
