Lagos Task Force Moves Against Encroachment, Open Defecation, Urges Stakeholders’ Cooperation
Akerele engages transport unions, market leaders, scrap dealers, others on public safety and environmental compliance
By Temidayo Babalola
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) has intensified stakeholder engagement across the state as part of efforts to promote public safety, environmental sanitation and urban orderliness, TMnews report
The Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this during the Ikeja Division edition and grand finale of the agency’s stakeholder engagement programme held at the Lagos State Safety Arena, Oshodi.
The engagement, themed “Promoting Public Safety and Environmental Best Practices in Lagos State,” brought together major stakeholders from the transportation, market, trade, automobile and enforcement sectors.
Participants included representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Office of the Iyaloja General, National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), automobile associations, butchers’ associations, Mile 12 Perishable Items Market, Ram Sellers Association and the Lagos State Scrap Dealers and Employers Operators.
The programme had earlier been held in Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry and Lagos Central divisions before the Ikeja edition and grand finale.
Addressing stakeholders, CSP Akerele stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies, trade associations, transport unions, market leaders and residents in achieving a cleaner, safer and more orderly Lagos.
He commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for what he described as sustained commitment to environmental sustainability, urban renewal, public infrastructure and enforcement initiatives across the state.
Akerele said the Task Force would continue to support the administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda through effective enforcement, public enlightenment and strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He explained that the statutory responsibilities of the Task Force include enforcement of environmental laws, removal of illegal structures and obstructions, enforcement of traffic and public safety regulations, and support for government efforts to preserve public order and environmental sanitation.
The Chairman also raised concerns over alleged encroachment on pedestrian walkways and other public spaces, particularly reports that some transport union officials allocate such spaces to petty traders.
According to him, such practices undermine public safety and urban orderliness, stressing that road setbacks, pedestrian walkways and other public spaces must remain accessible to the public.
He assured stakeholders that the Task Force would continue to engage relevant groups while enforcing existing regulations against encroachment.
The Chairman further disclosed that the agency was working with relevant government agencies to address environmental challenges, particularly waste management and open defecation in some parts of the state.
He, however, noted that enforcement alone could not guarantee sustainable environmental sanitation, stressing the need for collective responsibility and active participation by residents and organised groups.
At the meeting, the Chairman of Mile 12 International Market assured the Task Force that traders and market leadership would continue to maintain proper waste management and sanitation practices within the market and its environs.
Representatives of NATA also commended the state government’s environmental initiatives while appealing for the provision of mobile toilet facilities in mechanic villages across Lagos to strengthen sanitation and reduce open defecation.
CSP Akerele also charged the Lagos State Chairman of Scrap Dealers and Employers Operators, Comrade Adewale Adedotun, to ensure that members of the association are properly registered and carry verifiable means of identification.
He said proper identification of scrap dealers would promote accountability within the industry, enhance security and assist law enforcement agencies in distinguishing legitimate operators from criminal elements.
The Lagos State Chairman of NURTW, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle (Sego), was represented at the engagement by the State Confidential Secretary, Comrade Omowunmi Aliyu.
Also present were Corps Marshal Olaniyi Cole (rtd.) of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Corps (KAI), Barrister Adekunle, Coordinator of the Lagos State Mobile Court, and other stakeholders.
The stakeholders commended the Task Force for the initiative and pledged continued cooperation with the agency in promoting environmental responsibility, public safety and compliance with government regulations.
In his closing remarks, CSP Akerele reiterated the Task Force’s commitment to sustained engagement with stakeholders, noting that effective partnerships remained critical to achieving lasting public safety and environmental sustainability.
He assured Lagos residents that the agency would continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally while working with relevant stakeholders to protect public infrastructure and spaces and promote a safer, cleaner and more orderly Lagos State.
No comments:
Post a Comment