Filth: Lagos issues 24-hour abatement notice to Mushin plantain traders
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, has issued a 24-hour abatement notice to the executives of the Alamutu Plantain Market in the Idi-Oro area of Mushin, due to poor sanitary conditions and indiscriminate waste disposal.
This notice followed an inspection on Sunday, led by Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment and Water Resources, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu.
The inspection is part of the ongoing weekly environmental sensitization, enlightenment, and cleaning exercise.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu initiated the monthly environmental sanitation awareness and sensitization program on Lagos Island last weekend, with plans to replicate it across the state’s five divisions.
On October 3, 2023, the state government had sealed the Alamutu Plantain Market for similar infractions. The market was later reopened after meeting cleanliness standards.
Rotimi-Akodu stated, “This exercise is another bold step of the present administration towards improving the general well-being of the citizenry and bequeathing a safe, clean, flood-free, and sustainable environment to the people of the State in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.”
He added, “The government re-introduces this cleaning exercise to encourage all residents to clean their homes, surroundings, and drainages in front of their houses and streets, and markets. Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) officials will be on the ground to collect well-bagged waste and dispose of it properly.
“Sanitation of our environment promotes hygiene, safeguards health, and increases the lifespan of residents through the promotion of cleanliness.”
Addressing the situation in the market, Rotimi-Akodu described it as “absolutely unacceptable,” noting the level of indiscriminate refuse dumping and clogged drainage channels.
“We have issued a 24-hour abatement notice to the executive members of the market to clean up. Failure to do so will attract immediate closure. We have shut the same market last year for similar environmental offenses and will not hesitate to do so again if the current unhygienic conditions persist.
“We appeal to the executive members and traders to maintain cleanliness henceforth to avoid possible sanctions. The Lagos Government will not condone any act of unhygienic behavior.
“We reiterate our appeal for voluntary compliance or we will lock up the market. We will return to check if compliance has been met after the notice expires.”
Rotimi-Akodu emphasized the importance of educating residents on taking ownership of their environment and ensuring continuous cleanliness, not just on a monthly basis but daily.
“We must sustain this as our contribution towards maintaining a sustainable environment,” he concluded.
