The waste management authority shuts several premises in Ikotun-Igando and issues fresh warnings to businesses along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), led by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has intensified enforcement against environmental offenders, sealing several markets, shopping complexes and commercial premises in the Ikotun-Igando axis over persistent sanitation violations.

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The authority also issued fresh notices to markets, plazas, shops and other businesses along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor ahead of another round of enforcement.

The latest LAWMA Seals Lagos Markets operation was carried out on Saturday by the agency’s Project WISE West team along the LASU-Igando Road corridor in Alimosho Local Government Area.

According to the authority, traders and business operators in the area continued to dispose of refuse indiscriminately on road medians despite repeated warnings, environmental sensitisation campaigns and prior notices of intention to seal.

The operation followed a similar enforcement exercise along the Yaba-Ojuelegba corridor earlier in the week, which LAWMA said had resulted in improved environmental compliance and a noticeable restoration of sanitation in the area.

Speaking on the latest operation, Gbadegesin said the positive outcome recorded in Yaba had encouraged the authority to extend its enforcement campaign to other critical commercial corridors across Lagos.

He said LAWMA had also commenced the issuance of notices of intention to seal businesses along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor as part of efforts to ensure compliance with Lagos State environmental sanitation laws.

Among the premises sealed during Saturday’s operation were Owode Market, Omo Oba Shopping Complex, Oja Oba Market, Irewolede Market, Egan Junction Market, BoA Shopping Complex and Blissful Electronics Stores.

Several other shops and commercial premises were also shut after they were found to have allegedly violated environmental regulations.

Gbadegesin said the affected facilities would remain closed until their operators fully complied with the relevant environmental requirements and the authority was satisfied that adequate corrective measures had been taken.

He warned that indiscriminate disposal of refuse on road medians, drainage channels and other unauthorised locations remained a violation of Lagos State environmental laws and would continue to attract strict sanctions.

The LAWMA chief urged traders, market associations, business owners and property managers to take responsibility for maintaining proper sanitation around their premises.

He also advised them to patronise only their assigned Private Sector Participant waste operators and avoid illegal methods of waste disposal.

The enforcement campaign reflects LAWMA’s dual approach of combining public enlightenment with firm regulatory action as the agency seeks to promote more responsible waste management practices across the state.

For densely populated commercial corridors such as Ikotun-Igando and Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire, improved waste disposal is particularly important as indiscriminate dumping can obstruct drainage channels, damage public infrastructure and contribute to unhealthy living conditions.

The authority’s latest action therefore serves as both a warning to persistent offenders and a reminder to businesses that environmental compliance remains an ongoing responsibility.

As further enforcement looms along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor, LAWMA has urged affected operators to respond to the notices and address outstanding sanitation concerns to avoid closure.

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The authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public infrastructure and supporting a cleaner, healthier and more liveable Lagos through sustained enforcement and stronger cooperation with residents and businesses.