Sanitation Crackdown: Nasarawa gov’t shuts Lafia Modern Market

The Lafia Modern Market, in the Nasarawa State capital, was deserted on Tuesday after the state government shut it down over poor sanitation practices. The closure, which took effect around 6am, was enforced by security personnel on the orders of the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Margaret Elayo. Officials said the decision followed […]

The Lafia Modern Market, in the Nasarawa State capital, was deserted on Tuesday after the state government shut it down over poor sanitation practices.

The closure, which took effect around 6am, was enforced by security personnel on the orders of the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Margaret Elayo.

Officials said the decision followed persistent disregard for environmental regulations despite repeated warnings and inspection visits. The entrance of the market had reportedly become a dumpsite for refuse, causing air pollution and defacing the state capital.

Dr. Elayo, who led the enforcement team, expressed disappointment over what she described as the “nonchalant attitude” of the market occupants, which she said undermined the ministry’s efforts to keep the environment clean.

As the market remained locked, thousands of traders and business owners were seen stranded outside, lamenting the development.

Some traders blamed the situation on the market management bureau, accusing it of failing to evacuate refuse to designated dumpsites despite collecting regular waste management fees.

They appealed to the state government to resolve the issue, insisting that they should not be denied access to their shops while fulfilling their financial obligations.