Dare Babalola
Itedo Market in Lekki, Lagos State has been shut down by the state government over alleged repeated environmental violations and illegal roadside trading.
Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, made the announcement on his official X handle on Saturday.
Wahab revealed that five people were arrested for flouting state laws during the enforcement exercise.
He said, “This morning, we took decisive action at Itedo Market, Lekki, which has now been shut down indefinitely due to repeated environmental violations and illegal roadside trading. Five individuals have been arrested for flouting state laws.”
The commissioner warned that three Black Maria vehicles had been stationed at the market to prevent further illicit activity and maintain order in the area.
“Three Black Marias have been stationed at the location to deter further illegal activity and maintain order. Lagos will not tolerate disregard for environmental regulations or unauthorised street trading.
“Our commitment to restoring sanity, ensuring public safety, and upholding the rule of law remains unwavering,” Wahab said.
The move comes as part of the state’s ongoing clampdown on environmental infractions and unauthorised trading across major markets and highways.
Lagos has repeatedly taken drastic action against markets and plazas that flout environmental laws.
In April 2025, the state government sealed off 13 markets in the Ketu–Mile 12 axis for persistently violating waste management rules.
On the same trajectory, authorities shut down the Oko-Oba Abattoir in June 2025, citing “inappropriate operational practices” and environmental infractions.
Other interventions include the sealing of public toilets and markets for illegal sewage discharge and structural violations.
In March 2025, Wahab had warned Alabarago Market traders that failure to clean up within 24 hours would lead to closure.
