THE Lagos State Government has implemented strict measures against street traders in the state, especially on the Third Mainland Bridge and Eko Bridge while declaring zero tolerance for street trading in these areas.
Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, signed a press statement on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, reiterating that the action is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Lagos State Governor to ensure total enforcement of the environmental sanitation laws, promote a more aesthetic and a cleaner environment in Lagos, and create a safer State for all.
Tajudeen stated that it had become imperative to re-sensitise and seek the support of all stakeholders to eradicate street trading and other environmental nuisances, adding that the warning is being given to encourage residents who are contravening the law to look for other legal businesses as enforcement agents and agencies will come after them.
He declared that not only will all the wares they hawk and display on major roads be confiscated, anyone apprehended will face prosecution at the Mobile Courts in line with the State Environmental laws. He also assured that the latest enforcement drive against street traders, when commenced, would be a continuous one that would also be sustained.
The Permanent Secretary noted that as a megacity that is developing into a smart city, Lagos has no place for street traders who not only constitute an eye sore to the aesthetics of the city and expose themselves to hazardous situations; they also constitute a threat to the security of lives and property.
Omobolaji Tajudeen stressed that Governor Sanwo-Olu has approved the exercise, as many street traders are also criminals who masquerade as hawkers to attack unsuspecting motorists.
Omobolaji Tajudeen reinforced that the enforcement exercise, which will be carried out by a special task force of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and other enforcement agencies, will consistently come after any persons found engaging in prohibited acts such as street trading, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and hawking.
Speaking further, he warned some of the criminally-minded ones amongst the street traders who are fond of launching violent attacks on enforcement officers on duty, advising that they comply with all State Laws and not prevent authorised agencies from carrying out their tasks.
