The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified its enforcement of environmental sanitation regulations by sealing several markets, shopping complexes and commercial premises in the Ikotun-Igando axis of Lagos State, signaling a broader campaign against improper waste disposal across the state.
The latest enforcement exercise targeted businesses operating along the LASU-Igando Road corridor in Alimosho Local Government Area, where authorities said repeated violations of waste management rules had continued despite multiple warnings, awareness campaigns and formal compliance notices.
Enforcement Drive Expands Beyond Yaba
According to LAWMA, the operation was conducted on Saturday by its Project WISE West enforcement team as part of an ongoing effort to improve environmental sanitation in commercial districts.
The agency said many traders and business operators were found to be dumping refuse on road medians and other unauthorized locations instead of using approved waste collection systems. Officials described the practice as a recurring environmental concern that contributes to blocked drainage systems, urban pollution and public health risks.
The latest action follows an earlier enforcement exercise along the Yaba-Ojuelegba corridor, where LAWMA reported improved compliance after similar measures were introduced.
Markets and Businesses Affected
Among the facilities sealed during the operation were:
- Owode Market
- Omo Oba Shopping Complex
- Oja Oba Market
- Irewolede Market
- Egan Junction Market
- BoA Shopping Complex
- Blissful Electronics Stores
- Other commercial premises found to have violated sanitation regulations
Authorities said the affected facilities will remain closed until they satisfy all environmental compliance requirements and demonstrate that corrective measures have been fully implemented.
New Compliance Notices Issued
LAWMA also disclosed that another phase of enforcement has begun along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor.
Businesses, markets, plazas and commercial property owners in the area are now receiving fresh notices of intention to seal their premises if they fail to comply with Lagos State waste management regulations.
The move indicates that the agency is extending its sanitation enforcement campaign beyond individual locations as part of a wider statewide environmental compliance strategy.
LAWMA Explains the Crackdown
LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the success recorded during the earlier Yaba operation encouraged the agency to expand similar interventions to other parts of Lagos.
He reiterated that disposing of refuse on road medians, drainage channels and other unauthorized locations violates Lagos State environmental laws and warned that enforcement would continue against individuals and businesses that disregard the regulations.
Gbadegesin also advised traders, market associations, business owners and property managers to maintain cleaner surroundings by working with their assigned Private Sector Participant (PSP) waste operators and avoiding illegal dumping practices.
Why the Enforcement Matters
Environmental sanitation remains a critical challenge in Lagos, Africa’s largest city by population. Improper waste disposal has long been linked to:
- Flooding caused by blocked drainage systems
- Increased public health risks
- Environmental pollution
- Damage to public infrastructure
- Reduced urban cleanliness
State authorities have increasingly combined public awareness campaigns with stricter enforcement to encourage proper waste disposal and improve environmental standards across commercial and residential communities.
Timeline of Recent Events
- Earlier this week: LAWMA carried out a sanitation enforcement operation along the Yaba-Ojuelegba corridor.
- Saturday: Markets and commercial premises along the LASU-Igando Road corridor in Alimosho were sealed over sanitation violations.
- Current phase: Compliance notices are being issued to businesses operating along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor ahead of another enforcement exercise.
What Happens Next?
Businesses affected by the latest closures will be required to meet LAWMA’s environmental compliance standards before reopening.
Meanwhile, operators in other commercial districts are expected to review their waste disposal practices as the agency continues statewide inspections and enforcement aimed at improving sanitation compliance.
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