Itedo Market Shut Down Over Environmental Violations, Illegal Trading

By Daniji Emmanuel
The Lagos State Government today ordered the indefinite closure of Itedo Market in Lekki over repeated violations of environmental regulations and persistent roadside trading.
The enforcement exercise, carried out this morning, led to the arrest of five individuals for flouting sanitation and trading laws. To maintain law and order, three Black Maria vehicles were stationed at the location as part of measures to deter further infractions.
Officials said the action followed several warnings issued to traders and market leaders on indiscriminate refuse dumping, obstruction of traffic flow, and trading on road setbacks — practices deemed hazardous to public health and safety.
Speaking on the development, the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, said the decision to shut down the market was necessary to restore sanity in the area and reinforce the state’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental abuses.
“The government will not tolerate disregard for environmental regulations or unauthorized street trading. This action underscores our commitment to restoring order, ensuring public safety, and upholding the rule of law,” Wahab stated.
Residents of Lekki have long complained about the environmental nuisance and traffic congestion associated with the market, particularly during peak hours. The closure, authorities said, is part of ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Law and other regulations under the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The arrested individuals are expected to face prosecution in accordance with environmental and public order laws.
Government authorities have urged traders to make use of designated market spaces across the state and warned that similar operations will be extended to other non-compliant markets.