That markets in Lagos are perennially dirty is evident in the number, which have been shut by the state government in the past few days.
Within 10 days, not less than six markets were closed over a non proper waste disposal and other environmental infractions. Those still under lock are Ladipo Market, Agbado Oke-Odo Market, Oyingbo Market, Alayabiagba Market, Alamutu (Ologede) Market and sections of Tejuosho Market.

The Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the authority’s decision to shut down the markets was arrived at after several warnings about their non-compliance with the state’s Environmental Protection Laws.

Gbadegesin stated that despite LAWMA’s several measures to improve the environment, some individuals and markets have undermined their efforts by refusing to abide by the laws and regulations.

Gbadegesin, while announcing the closure of Oyingbo and Alayabiagba markets, which were the first set of markets shut, cautioned that others engaging in irresponsible waste disposal and other environmental violations would face similar harsh consequences if they refused to turn a new leaf.

The LAWMA boss then listed the markets that risked imminent shutdown to include, the Tejuosho Model Market Phase 1, Ladipo Market in Mushin, Anjorin Market, Irewolede Plank Market, Idi-Araba Obele Market, Oni Baba Market, Oba Morufu International Market (formerly known as Ejigbo Market), Ijora 7UP Market, Okeafa Plank Market, Ifelodun Fruit Market in Amukoko, and others. It was, therefore, not surprising that days after, the state government announced the closure of some of these markets.

This is, however, not the first time government will be closing markets in Lagos. For instance, in September 20, 2021, the Chairperson of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in the market place, which, according to her, will engender a healthy environment.

“We know that a lot of waste is generated from our markets and as market leaders, it is important that we seize this opportunity to appeal to our market men and women to do away with unhygienic practices, including indiscriminate dumping of waste, blocking of drainages and street trading, among others.

In January 22, 2023, the immediate past Commissioner for Environment, Tunji Bello, announced the closure of Mile 12 and Ketu fruits markets. He said both markets were closed owing to flagrant abuse of the environmental sanitation law, as there were inadequate toilets in the markets, while traders messed up the surrounding environment with human wastes.

He added that the closure of the markets became inevitable after several unheeded warnings to forestall epidemics and other health hazards in the state.

Also, in January 31, 2018, former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, decried the dirty condition of markets in the state, urging market leaders to clean up their surroundings or risk shutdown within 20 days.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami, said that the government was not comfortable with the indiscriminate dumping of refuse by the roadsides, medians, bus stops and markets. He said the volume of the refuse was alarming.

In November 21, 2019, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) shut the Oyingbo Market over indiscriminate refuse dumping and refusal to patronise Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.

Other infractions, included roadside trading and poor hygienic practices resulting in serious environmental challenges in the area.
Exactly two years after, November 2021, the Oyingbo Market was closed again by Mrs. Omolola Essien, the Chairman of the Lagos Mainland Local Council over the very poor hygiene conditions in the market.

Similarly, the Lagos State government on July 31, 2021, shut Ladipo Market, accusing the traders of contravening repeated environmental warnings, especially the indiscriminate dumping of junk auto parts and refuse everywhere and in the canal.

There are about 2,000 markets in Lagos, out of which 1,500 are said to be operating illegally. The consequence of the high number of markets in the commercial city is increased waste generation. It is estimated that over 12 metric tonnes of waste is generated in the state daily, with the markets contributing significantly to this.

While some residents have commended the commissioner over the bold step to ensure sanity in terms of waste generation, disposal and management in markets, some have shown a level of reservation scared that it will fade away once the commissioner settles into office.

They based their position on that fact that this is not the first time the state government will be closing markets for being dirty and improper management of waste.

Most of the times, after the markets are reopened, they slide back into dirty environment and poor management of waste generated. A resident, Adebimpe Solomon, said it is a good thing that the state government is wielding the big stick against the markets in the state, because many of them are usually an eyesore during raining season because of dirt.

She, however, pleaded with the state government to sustain the tempo of making the traders and market managers keeping their environment clean. Another resident, Tajudeen Ademola, said there is no market in Lagos that would be exonerated when it comes to poor waste management. He, therefore, said why the ones that have been closed have sent a warning to those yet to be, the state government must ensure that all the markets in the state are clean.

“The ones that the state government have not closed, there is a need to send a message to them on why they should clean and ensure that it is constantly clean. And they should be strongly warned that failure to do so will surely have negative consequences.”

While some market leaders were not willing to speak on some of the challenges often encounter with PSP trucks of LAWMA coming to pick refuse regularly, three traders who spoke under anonymity said that both the government and the market leaders cannot be exonerated from the crisis.
She said in her market, Thursdays, regarded as environmental day, every trader in the market pays N500 to the market leaders for waste management. She added that each trader also pays N2000 to N3000 almost monthly for waste disposal too. She, therefore, wonders what the market leaders use the money collect for.

She also said that the government contributes to the crisis, because on many occasions, the industrial trash dumpsters provided for the market are not enough for the amount of waste generated. “For instance, instead of stationing three of those industrial trash bins in a point within the market, there is usually one. As a result, the traders often heap the waste by the dumpster, or the road or median once the bin get filled.”

She, therefore, suggested that the state government should provide more industrial trash dumpsters in the market while LAWMA must constantly evacuate generated waste before the trash bins start spilling their content on the road.

Also, a market leader, who spoke with The Guardian under condition of anonymity, said that they are very careful on the matter as they are ready to obey the directive of the government. He said that the market leaders are working round the clock to comply with all the orders given as prerequisite to opening the door.

He said that they are not ready to apportion blame but just want to heed the instructions so that the market could be reopened. The Guardian reached out to LAWMA on what is being done differently including what measures being put in place to ensure that the markets when they are reopened do not slide back into dirtiness and poor waste management again.

The Managing Director of the agency, Gbadegesin said that LAWMA recognises that some sanctioned markets do return to a state of poor waste management and cleanliness after reopening. “However, this time around, it’s not going to be business as usual.”

To break this cycle, he said that LAWMA has implemented some strategic measures aimed at ensuring sustained cleanliness and efficient waste management in the reopened markets.

“Enhanced Surveillance And Enforcement:
LAWMA has intensified its monitoring and enforcement efforts. This involves deploying a dedicated team of environmental officers to conduct regular inspections of the markets. Violations are promptly identified and addressed to prevent a recurrence of the previous conditions.

“Stakeholder Engagement: We have initiated a robust engagement with market associations and stakeholders. This collaborative approach aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among market traders and managers.

“Advocacy and Sensitisation Programmes: LAWMA has instituted comprehensive advocacy and sensitisation programmes targeting market traders and operators. These programmes focus on best practices in waste management, and general cleanliness. This knowledge-sharing initiative empowers individuals with the skills and information necessary to maintain a clean environment.

“Deployment of Adequate Infrastructure: We understand the importance of providing the necessary infrastructure for efficient waste disposal. LAWMA has invested in the provision of waste bins, designated collection points, within the markets. This ensures that traders have the resources needed to manage their waste effectively.

“Data-Driven Decision Making: LAWMA has adopted a data-driven approach to track and analyse waste management trends in the markets. This allows for targeted interventions based on specific challenges observed. By leveraging data, we can implement customised solutions to address the unique needs of each market.

“Strict Adherence to Environmental Regulations: We remain committed to upholding environmental laws and regulations. Any market found to be in violation of these laws will face appropriate sanctions, including closure if necessary.”

He maintained that LAWMA is dedicated to the overall cleanliness of markets, adding that every market closed signs an undertaking before being reopened and where one Dino bin is being used and observed not to be sufficient, they have to purchase the second one, get a bin keeper who monitors and ensure waste are not dumped on the floor.

“And if violated and the market is shut again, it will be shut for a long period, aside paying heavy fines.”