The Lagos State Government has reopened the Ketu Fruit Market barely 24 hours after it was sealed for flouting environmental regulations. The development came following swift compliance by the traders, who reportedly worked through the night to clean up the market and restore sanitary conditions in line with the state’s environmental expectations.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on Friday during an inspection tour of the Lagos Island Urban Regeneration Project. Speaking to journalists, Wahab confirmed that the perishable goods section of the Ketu Market had resumed operations after the state observed an impressive level of compliance with hygiene directives.
“We shut the market down on Thursday due to serious environmental violations. But following our intervention, the traders took responsibility and cleaned up the entire space overnight. We inspected this morning and reopened the market about an hour ago based on what we observed,” Wahab said.
He emphasized that markets remain a critical touchpoint for millions of Lagosians and must therefore adhere strictly to environmental rules. Wahab noted that prior to the shutdown, abatement notices had been served on the market multiple times, but traders continued to neglect them until the government was forced to take enforcement action.
“The government cannot continue to tolerate non-compliance,” he added. “Once a market cleans up and we see genuine efforts at sanitation, we will unseal it. However, let it be known that the days of lawlessness are over. We will not hesitate to sanction those who remain stubborn and indifferent to public health concerns.”
Wahab further disclosed that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had been providing active support, especially in cases where Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators faced operational challenges. “You can see LAWMA trucks right now clearing the waste at the market. They step in whenever the PSPs are overwhelmed,” he explained.
In addition to the market reopening, Wahab also issued fresh directives concerning illegal structures affecting the city’s drainage systems. He ordered the immediate removal of shanties erected on the drainage channel beside King Ado High School on Ojo Giwa Street. Similarly, he directed the sealing of a construction site on Idi Oluwo for indiscriminately dumping building materials into a drainage channel, a practice he said worsens the risk of urban flooding.
On the broader issue of flooding, especially following recent downpours and concerns raised in a nationwide flood advisory by the Federal Government, the commissioner assured Lagos residents that the state had put adequate flood management strategies in place.
“Lagos is not new to heavy rains and the consequences that come with it. We are prepared, and our drainage systems are being closely monitored and maintained. The urban regeneration project we are executing will also provide long-term solutions to flooding in key areas like Adeniji Adele, Oroyinyin, Idumagbo, Ojo Giwa, Jankara, and Aroloya,” he said.
Wahab also reaffirmed the state government’s firm stance on the ban of single-use Styrofoam products, which he said significantly contribute to drainage blockages. While advocating for more public awareness, he warned that enforcement would be intensified in the weeks ahead.
“We are doing our part in advocacy, but enforcement must follow. Anyone who refuses to comply will be sanctioned. The era of environmental indiscipline in Lagos is gradually coming to an end,” Wahab stated.
He concluded by urging Lagosians to remain calm in the face of the upcoming rainy season, assuring them that the state is equipped and ready to handle the expected annual rainfall pattern.
