LAWMA Seals Malls, Plazas, Illegal Markets Along Ojuelegba–Popo Corridor Over Environmental Violations
The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade, has sealed several malls, plazas and illegal market structures along the Ojuelegba–Popo corridor adjoining Tejuosho Main Market over persistent violations of the state’s environmental sanitation laws.
The enforcement exercise, carried out on Tuesday by LAWMA’s Project Wise (Central) Unit, followed widespread reports of indiscriminate dumping of refuse along major roads, medians, drainages and adjoining public spaces within the axis. The operation was conducted on the directive of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Gbadegesin described the illegal disposal of waste in public corridors as a serious threat to urban order, public health and environmental sustainability, stressing that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
He said the agency had received numerous complaints from residents and commuters lamenting the habitual conversion of roadsides and drainage channels into refuse dumps, a situation he noted had continued to degrade the cityscape and heighten flood risks in the area.
According to him, the Ojuelegba–Tejuosho corridor, one of Lagos’ busiest commercial and traffic hubs, must be protected from environmental degradation under the guise of economic activities.
“The environmental integrity of Lagos is inviolable. Despite sustained sensitisation campaigns, the availability of waste evacuation services and repeated warnings, some traders and residents continue to show blatant disregard for environmental laws,” Gbadegesin said.
He explained that the closures were corrective measures aimed at restoring environmental order, civic discipline and communal responsibility, adding that the affected facilities would remain sealed until the entire corridor is thoroughly cleared, sanitised and placed under strict monitoring.
The LAWMA boss further warned that the agency, in synergy with KAI and other regulatory bodies, would intensify surveillance and enforcement across markets, highways and residential areas across the state, noting that offenders would face stiff penalties as provided by law.
Gbadegesin urged traders, market leaders and residents to adopt responsible waste management practices by engaging approved Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators and utilising designated waste disposal points.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to building a cleaner, healthier and environmentally sustainable megacity, calling on residents to support the vision through strict compliance with environmental regulations.
LAWMA assured members of the public that enforcement operations would remain continuous until full compliance with the state’s environmental laws is achieved.
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