The Lagos State Government has shut down Ajah Market over poor sanitation and repeated environmental violations.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab said the move aims to enforce hygiene and protect public health.
The Lagos State Government has sealed off the popular Ajah Market following reports of serious environmental violations and poor sanitation practices within the premises.
The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, announced the closure on his official X handle early Monday, October 6. He said the action was part of the government’s ongoing enforcement campaign to restore cleanliness, discipline, and environmental compliance across public markets in the state.
According to Wahab, Ajah Market had repeatedly flouted environmental regulations despite several warnings from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and environmental health officers. He noted that the market environment had become unsanitary, posing a potential health risk to traders, shoppers, and nearby residents.
“Ajah Market has been sealed for various environmental infractions. The enforcement team found gross violations, including indiscriminate dumping of waste and poor drainage maintenance,” Wahab said. “This government will not tolerate any disregard for environmental standards. All markets must operate under clean and healthy conditions.”
The closure of Ajah Market comes barely a few days after Itedo Market, located in the Lekki area of the state, was similarly shut down for the same reason. Wahab explained that the ongoing clampdown is not aimed at punishing traders but at ensuring public safety and compliance with hygiene laws.
He urged market leaders to take responsibility for waste management and to work closely with LAWMA to prevent future closures. “Traders must understand that cleanliness is non-negotiable. A clean market is not just good for business but essential for the health of everyone,” he added.
