Authorities Close Stores Over Illegal Littering on Streets

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The Lagos Waste Management Authority has sealed several shops and business premises along the Tejuosho-Ojuelegba corridor over persistent indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road median in violation of the state’s environmental sanitation laws.

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PUNCH Metro learnt in a statement signed by LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, that the enforcement operation, carried out on Thursday by the agency’s Waste Investigation Surveillance and Enforcement team, followed repeated warnings and sustained non-compliance by traders whose activities continued to undermine environmental sanitation efforts and deface public infrastructure.

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Speaking on the development, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the action became necessary to restore environmental order, protect public health and ensure compliance with waste management regulations.

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“The affected shops and market stalls will remain sealed until the traders comply fully with the prescribed sanitation requirements and the authority is satisfied that adequate measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence,” he said.

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Gbadegesin pointed out that even after ongoing efforts to educate traders and market leaders, people still threw away waste carelessly, forcing the authority to take action based on Lagos State environmental laws.

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“Road medians, drainage channels and other public spaces are not designated waste disposal points. LAWMA will continue to take decisive enforcement action against individuals and businesses found engaging in acts capable of degrading the environment,” he said.

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He also urged traders, market associations and residents to patronise their assigned Private Sector Participation operators, dispose of waste responsibly and support the government’s efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

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Gbadegesin added that the authority would continue to combine public enlightenment with strict enforcement to improve environmental compliance and enhance the quality of life of Lagos residents.

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