The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has reportedly closed down Oke-Odo Market, near Ile-Epo, Abule Egba, over gross environmental abuse.

On Monday, September 25, LAWMA shut Oyinbo and Alayabiagba Markets, on Mainland council of the state over unhealthy surroundings.

Announcing the closed down of the marked on Wednesday, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the move became necessary, to make them comply with environmental laws and regulations, and to warn defaulting markets around the state, to do the needful or risk a closure.

He said, “The closure of Oke-Odo Market underscores LAWMA’s commitment to ensuring that public spaces meet the required cleanliness standards. We will not compromise on the health and well-being of residents.”

According to him, the closure of the markets was to serve as a warning to the marketers that adherence to cleanliness standards was not negotiable.

“This action is part of a broader initiative by LAWMA to create awareness and enforce sanitation regulations across various markets in the state.

“Markets that do not meet the prescribed cleanliness standards will face similar consequences as Oke-Odo Market,” he said.

He called on the market operators and stakeholders to take the latest action by LAWMA as a wake-up call to embark on severe cleanliness practices within their premises.

“LAWMA remains dedicated to providing guidance and support to markets striving to comply with the sanitation regulations”, he said.

Gbadegesin urged the residents and business owners to cultivate the habit of cleaning their surroundings and support the efforts of the Authority to establish a more hygienic and livable environment across the state.

The LAWMA boss hinted that failure of the residents, marketers to enforce the new directives would lead to severe punishment by the law.