The Lagos State Government has ordered the closure of Alaba International Market, one of the largest electronics markets in Africa, for flouting environmental laws and regulations.
The market, located in Ojo, was sealed off by officials from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit earlier today.
The Environment and Water Resources Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the closure of Alaba International Market in a statement issued.
Wahab said the market was guilty of multiple violations that endangered the environment and public health.
He said the market was dumping waste indiscriminately, creating environmental pollution and health risks for residents and customers. He also said the market owed millions of naira in waste bills, which hampered the provision of adequate waste management and sanitation services by LAWMA.
The Commissioner noted the closure was a warning to other markets and businesses in the state to comply with environmental laws and regulations or face sanctions. He said the government was determined to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all Lagosians.