LAGOS TASKFORCE SET TO CLEAR STREET TRADING ON HIGHWAYS, WALKWAYS, ROAD MEDIANS, ROAD SETBACKS

 LAGOS TASKFORCE SET TO CLEAR STREET TRADING ON HIGHWAYS, WALKWAYS, ROAD MEDIANS, ROAD SETBACKS

…Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum to Street Traders, Illegal Occupants at Alaba Rago

In continuation of efforts to enforce environmental laws and the ban on street trading across Lagos metropolis as enshrined in the Y2017 Environmental Laws of the State, the Lagos State Taskforce, in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, has commenced plans to clear all illegal trading activities on highways, walkways, road medians, and setbacks along the Alaba Rago axis of the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway.

The illegal activities and street trading along the corridor have continued to generate concerns from motorists, pedestrians, residents, visitors entering the country through the Seme border, and environmental stakeholders who have repeatedly raised concerns over the increasing environmental degradation, safety risks, and security challenges associated with the area.

The planned enforcement will address the proliferation of makeshift shops, illegal structures, mini brothels, used plastic depots, indiscriminate waste disposal, unregulated trading activities, and other environmental violations currently affecting the corridor.

The exercise, being coordinated under the supervision of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources led by Hon. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, is aimed at restoring environmental sanity and ensuring that Lagos maintains the standard of a modern megacity.

Addressing traders and illegal occupants during a public sensitisation and enlightenment exercise, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, urged all occupants of the affected areas to voluntarily vacate within 72 hours to avoid enforcement action.

According to him, the Alaba Rago corridor, located along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, popularly known as the ECOWAS Road, is too strategic for the State Government to ignore the level of illegalities and environmental challenges occurring there.

“Lagos State cannot pretend or look the other way over the level of illegal activities and environmental hazards here. This situation does not reflect the status of a modern megacity. The time has come to enforce the laws and correct these abnomalies,” Akerele stated.

He further noted that the level of criminal and environmental activities in the area is unacceptable, adding that the State Government engaged stakeholders through sensitisation and dialogue before commencing enforcement.

“Everyone knows that trading on highways, walkways, and setbacks is illegal. However, because of the Lagos State Government’s people-oriented approach and inclusive governance policy, we have engaged all relevant parties before taking action. After this, enforcement will commence against anyone who continues to violate the laws of the State,” he added.

The Chairman warned that upon expiration of the 72-hour notice, anyone found violating the law would have their goods confiscated and face appropriate legal action.

He reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to maintaining environmental order, safety, and security for all residents in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the administration.

Gbadeyan Abdulraheem
Director, Press & Public Affairs
Lagos State Taskforce