The Lagos State Government On Thursday, shut down Mushin’s main market and demolished shanties in the state’s Apongbon area in an effort to promote environmental sustainability and foster a conducive business environment.
The operation, conducted by the Monitoring, Enforcement, and Compliance and Environmental Assessment Departments of the State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in collaboration with the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), aligns with the THEMES Plus agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that the coordinated effort with the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate environmental violations. Plans are also underway to revamp strategic areas in the state, particularly focusing on youth and sports development, while ensuring the overall habitability of Lagos for businesses by sanitizing market environments.
Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd), the newly-appointed Corps Marshal of KAI, asserted, “We want to assure you that no stones would be left unturned in achieving general environmental cleanliness, which would make other states in Nigeria envious of Lagos.” He also issued a stern warning to street traders, reaffirming the ban on street trading and emphasizing the importance of waste management.
“Street traders habitually displaying wares for sale in traffic via lay-bys, setbacks, medians, verges, kerbs, and pedestrian bridges should take heed,” Major Cole stated, underscoring the need for compliance with regulations.
Moreover, Major Cole urged both public and private residents in Lagos to secure valid waste collection contracts with Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA)-approved PSP operators for proper waste evacuation and disposal. He warned that defaulters would face legal consequences for indiscriminate waste disposal, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws.
