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OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Environmental Taskforce has intensified its clean-up enforcement operations across Ikeja, removing street traders, illegal ticketers and other environmental nuisances from major roads in the area.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, formed part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to rid the state of street trading, illegal display of goods on roadways, unauthorised road blockages and the operation of illegal bus stops, particularly during the yuletide season.
Led by officials of the task force, the exercise covered Obafemi Awolowo Way, Oba Akran Road and several adjoining streets within the Ikeja axis. Areas visited included Ikeja Underbridge, Tonade Street, Awolowo Road inward Allen Avenue Roundabout and other neighbouring roads.
According to the task force, some street traders, illegal ticketers and motorists were found displaying goods on the roads and walkways, thereby obstructing traffic flow and constituting a public nuisance. The enforcement team cleared the affected locations, restoring free movement for motorists and pedestrians.
During the raid, three suspects were arrested for allegedly obstructing and disturbing officers in the course of their lawful duties. Goods and wares displayed illegally on the roads were confiscated.
The agency said all arrested suspects have been charged to court, while the seized items were forfeited to the state in line with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Laws of 2017 and the Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
Speaking on the exercise, the Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, warned against trading on highways, noting that such activities impede the free flow of traffic and increase travel time for road users, especially during the festive period.
Akerele also cautioned street traders, illegal ticketers and operators of unapproved bus stops to desist from such activities, stressing that violators would be arrested and prosecuted if found flouting the law.
He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustaining the clean-up operations across the state to ensure safer roads and a cleaner environment for residents.
