Traders operating in the affected section of Ladipo Spare Parts Market have appealed to the Lagos State Government to reconsider its decision and reopen the facility, pleading for leniency in the enforcement of sanctions.
The appeal follows the sealing of the popular auto spare parts hub in Mushin by the state government over persistent environmental violations, including indiscriminate waste dumping on road medians and highways, as well as continued illegal street trading activities within and around the market precinct.
Confirming the enforcement action on Sunday, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the government had no choice after repeated warnings and engagements with traders failed to yield compliance.
“Despite multiple notices and sustained sensitisation, traders continued to flout environmental regulations through illegal street trading and improper waste disposal,” Wahab stated, adding that enforcement became unavoidable in the interest of public health, road safety, and environmental cleanliness.
The shutdown of Ladipo Market forms part of a broader enforcement drive by the Lagos State Government to compel markets and commercial centres across the state to adhere strictly to sanitation and environmental laws.
Traders, who described the closure as devastating to their livelihoods, urged the government to reopen the market while assuring full compliance with waste management and trading regulations going forward.
The market had previously faced temporary sanctions over similar issues but was reopened in 2023 after operators met stipulated environmental and sanitation requirements.
The latest sealing has renewed calls for sustained dialogue between market leadership and state authorities to prevent prolonged disruptions while ensuring long-term compliance with environmental standards.
