The Ogun State Government has taken a hardline stance on environmental compliance with the closure of Ijebu-Imushin Market in Ijebu East Local Government Area, citing persistent sanitation violations and public health risks.

The enforcement action, executed by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), follows a series of unheeded warnings issued to traders and market leadership on the need to maintain basic hygiene standards within the trading environment.

Speaking during an inspection of the market, the Special Adviser to the Governor on OGWAMA, Mr. Farook Akintunde, made it clear that the shutdown was a direct consequence of non-compliance. Despite earlier interventions—including mechanical evacuation of waste and the provision of a Roll-On/Roll-Off bin—traders reportedly continued to dispose of refuse indiscriminately.

According to Akintunde, the refusal of traders to engage the designated Private Sector Participant (PSP) for structured waste evacuation reflects a systemic disregard for established sanitation protocols. He stressed that such practices not only degrade the environment but also pose significant health hazards to residents and consumers.

Framing the decision as a necessary regulatory measure, the government reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for environmental negligence. Akintunde warned that allowing commercial activities to continue under such conditions would expose the public to avoidable risks, including disease outbreaks linked to poor waste management.

He further directed traders to undertake a comprehensive clean-up of the market and fully comply with approved waste disposal systems before any consideration for reopening.

“The market will remain closed until minimum sanitation standards are achieved. This is about protecting public health and ensuring a safe trading environment,” he stated.

The development signals a broader push by the state government to enforce environmental discipline across markets and public spaces, with authorities indicating that similar actions may be taken against other defaulting facilities.