In a continued effort to eliminate street trading on state highways and major streets in the Lagos metropolis, the Lagos State Taskforce is preparing to crack down on street traders and support other governmental agencies in enforcing the complete ban on street trading in the state.
CSP Shola Jejeloye, Chairman of the Taskforce, at the Bolade Oshodi Headquarters disclosed this recently.
He emphasised that the state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Lagosians while maintaining order on the highways.
“It is no longer a secret that the closure of Eko Bridge was a result of illegal street trading beneath the bridge, which led to a fire outbreak and subsequent closure of the bridge for safety reasons. Now that the bridge has been reopened, we will ensure that these street traders do not cause any further harm to Lagosians.”
The Taskforce has been collaborating with sister agencies such as the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) in joint operations to eradicate the problem of street trading, which obstructs the free movement of vehicles and pedestrians along major routes like Oshodi, Ketu, and Ajangbadi. This time, everyone will be fully committed to ensuring compliance throughout the state.
Jejeloye explained that the forthcoming enforcement exercise is in line with the longstanding Lagos State Government’s Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law of 2003. This law stipulates a punishment of N90,000 or a six-month jail term for both the buyers and sellers of goods or services on the streets He expressed concern over the environmental and security issues associated with street trading, particularly the criminal activities that often occur during nighttime.
The Chairman appealed to Lagosians to collaborate with the State Government in achieving the vision of transforming Lagos into a mega city, as outlined in the THEMES Agenda of the State.