- Safiu Kehinde
No fewer than 15 offenders were on Friday arrested by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) during a crackdown on street trading across the state.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
According to Wahab, the taskforce officials had on Thusday embarked on the enforcement operation in areas like Ogudu Road by Ojota Junction, Iyana-Ipaja Under Bridge, and Egbeda Junction, where traders had encroached on the road, obstructing traffic and compromising public safety.
The Commissioner disclosed that several goods and wares were seized while vowing that the apprehended offenders will be arraigned to court.
“Yesterday, at different times of the day, I directed enforcement and clean-up operations across the state to address persistent street trading and environmental infractions.
“Our Environmental Task Force intervened at Ogudu Road by Ojota Junction, Iyana-Ipaja Under Bridge, and Egbeda Junction, where traders had encroached on the road, obstructing traffic and compromising public safety.
“During the operations, goods and wares were seized, and 15 offenders were arrested. All suspects will be arraigned in court, and the seized items will be forfeited to the State in line with existing laws. Street trading remains illegal in Lagos, and we will continue to enforce the law firmly and fairly to keep our roads safe, orderly, and free for all road users.” He wrote.
In the same vein, the enforcement operation would be extended to Lagos Island on Friday with the Taskforce Chairman, Mr Adetayo Akerele, describing the operation as part of a clean-up exercise to remove street trading, unauthorised displays, road blockages, and other environmental offences.
The enforcement covered Marina, Davies Street, Breadfruit Street, and surrounding areas, targeting traders causing obstructions and environmental nuisance along key roadways.
“Traders were found displaying goods on highways, roadways, and walkways, obstructing free movement along the Lagos Marina Expressway,” Akerele said in a statement issued yesterday.
He expressed concern over persistent disregard for environmental and traffic regulations by some traders, urging compliance for public safety.
“Traders had blocked the entrance of St. Paul Primary School, making access difficult for pupils and staff,” he added.
During the operation, all illegally displayed goods on Davies and Breadfruit Streets were confiscated, restoring order and normalcy in the affected areas.
“Davies Street, once a vibrant social hub, had deteriorated due to street traders and illegal stalls obstructing roads and walkways,” Akerele explained.
The agency also cleared Iyana-Ipaja Underbridge of unauthorised stalls, easing movement for motorists, commuters, and pedestrians.
All confiscated goods will be forfeited to the Lagos State Government under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
Akerele warned traders against obstructing highways and road corridors, stressing that violations increase travel time and attract strict enforcement.
He urged street traders and illegal occupants to desist from such acts or face the full weight of the law.