OGWAMA SEALS IJEBU-MUSHIN MARKET, CITES FILTHY CONDITIONS AND PUBLIC HEALTH RISK

 

*Ogun Waste Authority Clamps Down on Improper Waste Disposal Amid Statewide Cholera Concerns; Traders Told to Clean Up or Stay Shut*

The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has shut down Ijebu-Mushin Market over what it described as “unacceptable sanitation levels” and persistent improper waste disposal that threaten public health.

*Why the Market Was Sealed*

According to the Special Adviser and Managing Director of OGWAMA, Abayomi Hunye, the action follows repeated warnings to market stakeholders across the state to maintain clean environments, especially as Nigeria battles cholera outbreaks. 1f87

OGWAMA stated that markets are rallying points for foodstuffs, fruits, and other consumables, and must therefore be “sparkling clean at all times” to avoid becoming breeding grounds for contagious diseases. Improper waste disposal, the agency warned, breeds rodents, vectors, and flies that infest goods sold to the public. 1f8707fe

*Government’s Position*

The state government has provided large waste collection bins in most markets, some serviced by PSP operators, leaving traders with “no reason not to properly dispose of their waste”. Hunye emphasized that any market found flouting waste disposal directives will be shut, as illegal dumpsites aid disease spread and have previously led to fire outbreaks, like the one at Lafenwa Market in Abeokuta. 1f872078

*Conditions for Reopening*

1. *Total Clean-up*: Market leadership must clear accumulated refuse and disinfect stalls, drains, and common areas.

2. *Waste Management Compliance*: Traders must use designated bins and cooperate with assigned PSP operators for regular evacuation.

3. *Sanitation Levy*: Up-to-date payment of government-subsidized waste bills is required to sustain collection services.

4. *Monitoring*: OGWAMA enforcement teams will re-inspect before the seal is lifted. 2078

*Broader Context*

The closure aligns with Ogun State’s statewide threat to shut any market guilty of poor waste disposal amid cholera concerns. Similar enforcement has been seen in Lagos, where LAWMA sealed markets in Mushin and Odi-Olowo for environmental infractions under the 2017 Environmental Management Protection Law. 1f87c2e2

*Impact on Traders & Residents*

While the shutdown disrupts daily commerce for hundreds of traders and households that depend on Ijebu-Mushin Market, OGWAMA insists the measure is preventive. “Markets must not become vectors for disease,” the agency said. Traders have been urged to imbibe proper waste disposal habits to avoid punitive action and protect community health. 2078

*Bottom Line*

Clean market, safe food, healthy community. OGWAMA’s message is blunt: dispose properly or face closure. The seal stays until Ijebu-Mushin meets the required sanitation standards.

*Public health is not negotiable. Keep the market clean, keep the market open.*