By FABIAN EKERUCHE

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has served ‘Intention to Seal Notices’ on sections of Oshodi Market over environmental sanitation breaches.

The notices were issued on Monday by LAWMA’s Project WISE team during a compliance operation across the market.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Mukhaila Sanusi, Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

The authority said the action followed persistent indiscriminate waste disposal, poor sanitation practices and non-compliance with approved waste management regulations.

The statement quoted LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, as saying that the exercise was part of efforts to improve compliance in markets.

Gbadegesin said affected traders and business operators had previously received environmental advocacy, compliance engagements and monitoring visits without significant improvement.

He said the notices provided another opportunity for affected premises to comply before further enforcement measures were implemented.

“The Intention to Seal Notices provide the affected traders and business operators with another opportunity to take immediate corrective action and comply with prescribed environmental sanitation requirements,” he said.

Gbadegesin described indiscriminate waste disposal, poor sanitation and related environmental infractions as serious threats to public health and environmental sustainability.

He urged market associations, traders and business owners to maintain clean surroundings, patronise assigned Private Sector Participation operators and dispose of waste through approved channels.

The LAWMA boss reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to combining public enlightenment with fair enforcement to promote responsible environmental practices.

He said the approach would support the Lagos State Government’s vision of a cleaner, healthier and more liveable city. (NAN)