…Wahab issues 48-hour quit notice to traders under Idumota/Ebute Ero Police Post overhead
The Lagos State Government has directed the reopening of Oke Arin and Gorodom markets in Lagos Island after traders signed an undertaking to maintain environmental cleanliness. Meanwhile, a 48-hour quit notice has been issued to traders operating under the Idumota/Ebute Ero Police Post area for illegal structures constituting environmental hazards.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directives over the weekend while leading a state inspection team to the affected markets, which were closed over two weeks ago due to persistent violations of environmental laws.
Wahab Warns Against Environmental Infractions
During the inspection, Wahab emphasized the importance of cleanliness in public spaces, stressing that environmental negligence contributes to the spread of diseases. He stated that the closure of the markets was a direct consequence of traders converting drainage setbacks into illegal stalls, blocking stormwater flow and creating sanitation risks.
“It is necessary for everyone to take care of the environment. The traders caused the closure of the market; government will not let down its guard. Going forward, we are determined to go around the nooks and crannies of Lagos State to reestablish our drainage alignments and prevent flooding. Whenever there is flooding, people accuse the government of irresponsibility, but we must all play our part,” Wahab said.
He further directed that traders along the reestablished drainage channels sign an undertaking to take responsibility for maintaining sanitation, ensuring proper waste disposal, and preventing indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage systems.
“Do we feel responsible when we discharge waste into public drains? We can do better than this. The state government is not happy. We must have an undertaking from each and every one of you that you will take care of your surroundings beyond your stores. Drainage systems must be cleaned, waste bins must be placed at designated points, and the environment must be maintained,” he said.
Wahab also reiterated that markets should not serve as residential spaces and warned traders to desist from accommodating squatters within market premises.
Crackdown on Illegal Structures and Waste Disposal
The commissioner ordered the immediate sealing of Kabaran Global Nigeria – Apogbon Truck Park on Adeniji Adele Road following multiple abatement notices. He explained that the space had been allocated to a contractor set to commence major road repairs.
Additionally, he warned developers and residents against dumping building materials on roads and drainage channels, which obstructs water flow and exacerbates flooding. A shopping complex under construction along Adeniji Adele Road was also sealed for failing to comply with environmental regulations.
Wahab reminded traders that the state government had banned styrofoam packaging over a year ago due to its adverse effects on drainage systems and public health. He noted that some traders were still stocking and using styrofoam despite repeated warnings.
“I appeal to traders still selling styrofoam packs to stop immediately. It is obvious that some of you are still storing these items in your shops. You must collaborate with the government to protect the environment and keep drainage channels clear,” he stated.
He further stressed the reality of climate change, urging everyone to adopt sustainable practices.
“The rains are coming, and we must be prepared. Stop connecting your sewage systems to drainage channels, stop dumping waste into drains, and stop building on drainage alignments. These actions have long-term consequences for public health and safety,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Alhaja Basirat Owolewa, representing the Iyaloja of Gorodom Market, expressed appreciation to the government for reopening the markets and clearing blocked drainage channels.
She assured that traders would now prioritize good sanitation practices and work collectively to maintain a clean environment.
Accompanying Wahab on the inspection tour were Special Adviser on Environment Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Permanent Secretaries Dr. Gaji Omobolaji (Office of Environmental Services) and Engr. Mahamood Adegbite (Office of Drainage Services), as well as MD LAWMA Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LASWMO GM Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, KAI Corps Marshal Major Olatubosun Cole (Rtd), and other senior officials.
Locations visited during the exercise included Ebute Ero/Gorodom Markets, Igamodile/Gorodom/Bombata/Olusi/Alagbafo collectors, Kabaran Global Nigeria – Apogbon Truck Park, and the Idumota/Ebute Ero Police Post underbridge.