By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State Government has commenced the enforcement of its directive to remove illegal shanties, roadside stalls and other unauthorised structures occupying the median strip along the Badagry Expressway at Alaba Rago.
The operation, which began on Monday morning, was carried out by a joint enforcement team comprising operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, the Lagos State Task Force, Eko Strike Force, Kick Against Indiscipline officials, the Lagos Waste Management Authority and other relevant agencies.
Before the exercise commenced, leaders of the various enforcement teams addressed personnel and outlined operational procedures before deploying them to designated locations.
The operatives subsequently dismantled illegal stalls and shanties while clearing heaps of refuse and waste deposited in bags and other containers along the median of the expressway.
Some traders and occupants who failed to comply with the government’s earlier directive were seen hurriedly evacuating their goods as the enforcement exercise progressed.
The operation follows the expiration of a three-day quit notice issued by the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Information and Strategy, with support from the Rapid Response Squad, directing traders and occupants of illegal structures along the corridor to vacate the area or face enforcement.
According to the state government, the cleanup and enforcement exercise is part of efforts to restore order and improve the aesthetics of the busy international highway, which serves as a major route for cross-border trade and transportation.
The government described the proliferation of illegal structures and indiscriminate waste disposal along the expressway as an eyesore that tarnishes the image of both Lagos State and Nigeria, stressing its commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly environment across the state.
