Lagos, July 6, 2023 – The Lagos State Government has again banned street trading in the state, especially on the Third Mainland Bridge and Eko Bridge.
The state government gave the directive in a press statement signed by Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen,the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services.
Gaji said the directive of the state government was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to promote a cleaner and more aesthetic environment in Lagos State.
It is also to ensure total enforcement of the environmental Sanitation laws s well as create a safer state for all.
The statement said it had become imperative to re-sensitize and seek the support of all stakeholders to eradicate street trading and other environmental abuses.
It said the state government also gave the warning 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
Gaji warned that offenders would be prosecuted at Mobile Courts, while their wares would be confiscated according to the State Environmental laws.
He said the latest drive against street traders would be a continuous one that would also be sustained.
The permanent secretary said that, as a megacity that is developing into a smart city, Lagos had no place for street traders who not only constitute an eye sore to the aesthetics of the city and expose themselves to hazardous situations, but also constitute a threat to the security of lives and property.
He said the state governor had given his go-ahead to the exercise to rid the streets of criminals who masquerade as hawkers to attack unsuspecting motorists.
Gaji said the enforcement exercise, which will be carried out by a special task force of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and other enforcement agencies, would go after persons engaging in prohibited acts such as street trading, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and hawking.
He advised the criminally-minded ones amongst the street traders who are fond of launching attacks on enforcement officers on duty, to comply with all State Laws against prevention of authorized agencies from carrying out their tasks.
Gaji said adherence to the directive would ensure a cleaner and safer environment as the state would no longer tolerate any act of indiscipline, hooliganism or any act of violence that can disrupt the prevailing peace in the State.(GBN)
