The Lagos State Taskforce has gone beyond mere words and taken decisive action to eliminate the indiscriminate display of goods on highways, roadsides, curbs, and railway tracks in various parts of the metropolis.
The agency conducted enforcement exercises today, following the directives of the state government to all environmental enforcement agencies responsible for restoring order on walkways, highways, and rail tracks.
“These trading activities not only degrade the environment but also cause inconvenience and discomfort to the people of Lagos,” the agency said.
Under the strategic supervision of CSP Shola Jejeloye, the chairman of the agency, simultaneous operations were conducted.
Jejeloye stated that numerous notices had been issued to traders, particularly those at Oshodi rail track, where a sensitization program was conducted on May 23, 2023, to discourage their return to the tracks. However, these warnings went unheeded.
“For the past two years, we have been issuing warnings, but they refuse to listen,” said Jejeloye. “Notices were served in Fagba, where some people constructed shanties and kiosks from Fagba all the way to Pen Cinema and Isokoko, obstructing the free movement of motorists and pedestrians. This is completely unfair to all Lagosians, and we will ensure their removal immediately.”
The Chairman emphasized that while both buyers and sellers involved in these activities should be arrested, he seeks to strike a balance and avoid double jeopardy by only seizing the goods found on the rail tracks. He urged market leaders to come to the agency’s headquarters for a roundtable discussion aimed at finding a permanent solution to this menace.
In a related development, the Lagos State Taskforce conducted an overnight raid beneath Apongbon Bridge, asking traders to vacate the area to prevent any environmental mishaps that could lead to loss of life, property, and jeopardize the safety and security of Lagosians.
Jejeloye explained that this action was necessary following the reopening of Eko Bridge after a 15-month closure due to a fire outbreak caused by the haphazard clustering of traders beneath the bridge. He emphasized the need for the agency to take similar measures at this and other strategic locations where street traders pose a significant threat to the environment and the general well-being of Lagosians.
He appealed to all traders to relocate their activities to the complexes provided by the State Government and cease engaging in counterproductive activities.
“Achieving the Mega City status as envisioned in the THEMES plus Agenda of the State Government requires a collective effort, and everyone must contribute to its sustainability. We will carry out these enforcement exercises daily to achieve our goal, and anyone found breaking the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” concluded Jejeloye.
