The Lagos State Government, through its Environmental Task Force, has intensified efforts to restore order on major roads across the state with enforcement and clean-up operations targeting street trading and other environmental violations, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of goods.
The action was disclosed by the political head in the State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on his X page on Friday.
According to Wahab, the Environmental Task Force moved in at Ogudu Road by Ojota Junction, Iyana-Ipaja Under Bridge, and Egbeda Junction, locations where traders had taken over sections of the roadway. He said the situation was affecting traffic flow and posing risks to commuters.
“Yesterday, at different times of the day, I directed enforcement and clean-up operations across the state to address persistent street trading and environmental infractions,” the commissioner stated.
He added that, “Our Environmental Task Force intervened at Ogudu Road by Ojota Junction, Iyana-Ipaja Under Bridge, and Egbeda Junction, where traders had encroached on the road, obstructing traffic and compromising public safety.”
Wahab disclosed that during the exercise, goods and wares were confiscated, while 15 offenders were taken into custody.
“During the operations, goods and wares were seized, and 15 offenders were arrested,” he said.
The commissioner noted that those arrested would face prosecution, while the confiscated items would be taken over by the government.
“All suspects will be arraigned in court, and the seized items will be forfeited to the State in line with existing laws,” he added.
Reaffirming the state’s stance, Wahab said street trading remains prohibited and warned that enforcement would continue across Lagos State, Centre of Excellence, to keep roads open and secure for motorists and pedestrians.
“Street trading remains illegal in Lagos, and we will continue to enforce the law firmly and fairly to keep our roads safe, orderly, and free for all road users,” Wahab warned.
