Lagos State authorities have closed down Yakoyo Abula Joint, a well-known eatery in Victoria Island, after investigators discovered the restaurant was discharging untreated wastewater, including fats and oils, into public drainage systems.
The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office sealed the facility on Tuesday following an inspection that revealed deliberate effluent release into drainage channels. Officials said the practice was causing blockages and creating conditions that could expose residents to waterborne diseases.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the closure via a statement on X, emphasizing the dangers the restaurant’s actions posed to public health and the environment.
Located at 134 Sinari Daranijo Street, Yakoyo Abula Joint reportedly ignored regulations on waste management, prompting swift enforcement action by environmental authorities. Wahab stressed that no compromise would be made for establishments that endanger Lagos residents.
The closure is part of the state’s ongoing #ZeroToleranceLagos campaign, a program targeting food outlets and commercial facilities that violate environmental and wastewater laws. The initiative aims to curb pollution and promote sustainable urban living.
Authorities have warned that any future violations could result in permanent closure, hefty fines, or legal action. Wahab urged other restaurant owners to adhere strictly to wastewater disposal guidelines to prevent similar penalties.
Residents and environmental groups welcomed the move, describing it as a decisive step toward reducing public health risks and protecting Lagos’ fragile drainage infrastructure from preventable pollution.
