The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to street traders and illegal occupants operating along the Alaba Rago axis of the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway.
The affected persons have been directed to vacate
the area ahead of a planned enforcement exercise.
The Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo
Akerele, announced this in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr
Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, on Wednesday in Lagos.
Akerele said the move was part of efforts by the
state government to enforce environmental laws and the ban on street trading as
stipulated in the state’s Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
He said the planned operation, which would be
carried out in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, was aimed at
clearing illegal trading activities on highways, walkways, road medians, and
setbacks along the corridor.
“The exercise is aimed at addressing growing
concerns over environmental degradation, safety risks, and security challenges
associated with the area,” he said.
The chairman urged traders and occupants of the
affected locations to voluntarily relocate before the expiration of the notice.
He described the Alaba Rago corridor, situated
along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, also known as the ECOWAS Road, as a
strategic route that could no longer be allowed to suffer from widespread
environmental and physical disorder.
“Lagos State cannot pretend or look the other way
over the level of illegal activities and environmental hazards here.
“This situation does not reflect the status of a
modern megacity. The time has come to enforce the laws and correct these
abnormalities,” he said.
He noted that the enforcement exercise would tackle
the proliferation of makeshift shops, illegal structures, mini brothels, used
plastic depots, indiscriminate waste disposal, and other environmental
infractions affecting the corridor.
The task force chairman said the state government
had engaged stakeholders through dialogue and sensitisation before embarking on
enforcement, in line with its inclusive governance policy.
“Everyone knows that trading on highways, walkways,
and setbacks is illegal. However, because of the Lagos State Government’s
people-oriented approach, we have engaged all relevant parties before taking
action.
“After this, enforcement will commence against
anyone who continues to violate the laws of the state,” he said.
He warned that goods belonging to violators would
be confiscated after the expiration of the ultimatum, while offenders would
face appropriate legal sanctions.
The chairman reiterated the commitment of the state
government to maintaining environmental order, public safety, and security in
line with the THEMES+ Agenda of the administration.
According to him, the enforcement exercise is being
coordinated by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources
under the leadership of the Commissioner, Mr Tokunbo Wahab. (NAN)
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