The Lagos State Government on Thursday threatened to shut down both Ladipo and Oyingbo markets indefinitely next Thursday over traders’ indiscriminate waste disposal.

The government explained that the move became imperative following the markets’ refusal to pay for waste services, and poor waste management at the markets.

The Lagos State Waste Management Agency’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Odumboni, who made this known said traders in both markets engaged in unwholesome environmental practices.

The unwholesome environmental practices, he said, continued in the markets despite repeated warnings.

“Our attention has been drawn to the deplorable state of the environment around Ladipo Market, Mushin and Oyingbo Market, resulting from reckless waste dumping by traders.

“Despite serving them abatement notices, they have continued the mindless environmental violation. We are left with no other choice than to evoke the necessary sanction of shutting down the markets. This is also meant to serve as a deterrent to other nonchalant markets,” Odumboni was quoted as saying in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Folashade Kadiri.

He added, “We have intensified our sanitation efforts by deploying trucks to clear black spots across the metropolis, especially business facilities.

“However, these efforts are being tainted by the activities of mischievous persons who would rather dump their waste indiscriminately on the roads, than pay for waste services.”

He urged traders in other markets to adhere strictly to environmental hygiene or risk indefinite closure of their markets. (The PUNCH)