The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified its crackdown on environmental offenders, sealing several markets, shopping complexes and commercial premises in the Ikotun-Igando axis over persistent sanitation violations, while issuing fresh notices to businesses along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor ahead of another round of enforcement.

The enforcement exercise, carried out on Saturday by LAWMA’s Project WISE West team, targeted markets and commercial establishments along the LASU-Igando Road corridor in Alimosho Local Government Area, where authorities said traders and business operators continued to dump refuse indiscriminately on road medians despite repeated warnings, environmental sensitisation campaigns and notices of intention to seal.

The latest operation follows a similar enforcement drive along the Yaba-Ojuelegba corridor earlier this week, which the agency said significantly improved environmental compliance and restored sanitation within the area.

Speaking on the operation, LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the success recorded in Yaba encouraged the agency to extend its enforcement campaign to other critical corridors across the state.

He disclosed that, in addition to the closures in Alimosho, LAWMA has commenced the issuance of notices of intention to seal markets, plazas, shops and other commercial premises along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor as part of efforts to enforce compliance with the state’s environmental sanitation laws.

Among the facilities sealed during Saturday’s operation were Owode Market, Omo Oba Shopping Complex, Oja Oba Market, Irewolede Market, Egan Junction Market, BoA Shopping Complex, Blissful Electronics Stores, as well as several other defaulting shops and commercial premises found to have violated environmental regulations.

According to Gbadegesin, the affected facilities will remain shut until they fully comply with all environmental requirements and the Authority is satisfied that adequate corrective measures have been implemented.

He warned that indiscriminate disposal of refuse on road medians, drainage channels and other unauthorised locations remains a violation of Lagos State environmental laws and will continue to attract strict sanctions.

The LAWMA boss urged traders, market associations, business owners and property managers to maintain proper sanitation around their premises, patronise only their assigned Private Sector Participant (PSP) waste operators and refrain from illegal waste disposal.

He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to combining sustained public enlightenment with strict enforcement to encourage responsible environmental practices, protect public infrastructure and ensure a cleaner, healthier and more liveable Lagos.