Ogun Govt Warns Markets Against Illegal Waste Dumping, Threatens Closure of Defaulters

The Ogun State Government has warned market leaders and traders against indiscriminate waste disposal, declaring that any market found operating illegal dumpsites within its premises risks immediate closure.

The warning follows growing concerns over heaps of refuse and evidence of open defecation along sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, particularly in Mowe, Ibafo and Magboro.

A visit to the affected areas on Sunday revealed large piles of decomposing waste on road medians and adjoining roadsides, while traces of human faeces were also observed, raising concerns over environmental sanitation and public health.

Residents blamed the situation on weak enforcement of environmental regulations. Kunle Olalekan accused the state government of failing to adequately monitor traders operating along the expressway, allowing indiscriminate dumping to persist.

Another resident, Ugo Chukwu, alleged that much of the refuse, including heaps of corn husks found on the Mowe median, originated from nearby markets. He urged the government to intensify monitoring and enforcement in markets located along the expressway corridor.

Responding to the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor and Managing Director of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, Farouk Akintunde, warned that the government would not tolerate improper waste disposal in markets.

The warning came after officials evacuated long-standing refuse dumps at the Farmers’ Market on Solu Road, Ifo, and Mamu Market in Ifo and Ijebu North Local Government Areas.

Akintunde condemned the practice of dumping refuse within market premises instead of using designated collection points serviced by government-approved waste operators.

He said poor waste management exposed food items to contamination, increasing the risk of food poisoning and the spread of preventable diseases.

According to him, markets must remain clean and hygienic because they serve as centres where residents purchase food for daily consumption.

He directed market leaders to ensure strict compliance with sanitation regulations and coordinate traders to maintain clean surroundings.

Akintunde warned that any market found violating waste management laws would be shut down in the interest of public health and environmental safety, stressing that the government would continue enforcing environmental sanitation measures across the state to protect residents and promote a cleaner environment.