Ola Akinwunmi
The Lagos State Government is set to prosecute at least 10 individuals arrested for alleged street trading and environmental violations along the bustling Alaba Rago–Ojo axis of the Lagos-Badagry Motorway. This move signals a significant escalation in the state’s ongoing efforts to enforce environmental laws and curb the pervasive issue of street trading.
The arrests were confirmed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on his X.com. Wahab emphasized the government’s “unwavering stance” on environmental law enforcement, stating, “Our joint enforcement teams from KAI [Kick Against Indiscipline] and LAWMA [Lagos State Waste Management Authority] commenced clearance operations along Ojo–Alaba Road and the Badagry Motorway.”
He added, “Waste evacuation is actively ongoing, and 10 arrests have been made so far for environmental violations.”
Commissioner Wahab issued a stern warning to residents and traders, reiterating that “dumping waste indiscriminately, defacing our environment, and ignoring the state’s sanitation laws will not be tolerated. Enforcement is in full swing, and we will continue until compliance becomes a part of culture.”
In a parallel development, Kunle Adeshina, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, announced intensified efforts by LAWMA to clear the debris and waste generated by dislodged street traders. He noted the deployment of multiple trucks making “several rounds” to evacuate the waste.
This latest enforcement action comes against the backdrop of a total ban on street trading, hawking, the construction of illegal structures on drainage channels, and the display of goods on walkways, which was imposed by the Lagos State Government in 2023. The ban was introduced to combat escalating traffic congestion and address concerns about crimes reportedly perpetrated by some hawkers who disguise themselves to rob motorists.
Since the ban’s implementation, hundreds of violators have been apprehended. Just last Saturday, 36 street traders – 34 men and two women – were arrested for displaying goods on road medians along Ojo–Alaba Road, revealing the continuous nature of the challenge and the government’s resolve to tackle it head-on. The impending prosecution of the 10 suspects is expected to send a strong message to those flouting the state’s environmental and sanitation regulations.