By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State Environmental Task Force has intensified enforcement operations against illegal street trading as part of the government’s ongoing Zero Tolerance Lagos campaign aimed at curbing environmental infractions and improving public safety.
In coordinated operations carried out across key locations in the state, traders were dislodged from Ojota Junction, Iyana-Ipaja Under Bridge, and Egbeda Junction for encroaching on highways, obstructing traffic, and endangering road users.
The Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed in separate statements posted on his official X account on Friday and Saturday that he personally directed the enforcement and clean-up exercises.
According to Wahab, the Environmental Task Force intervened at Ogudu Road by Ojota Junction, Iyana-Ipaja Under Bridge, and Egbeda Junction where traders had taken over sections of the roadway. During the operations, goods and wares were confiscated, while 15 offenders were arrested.
He stated that all arrested individuals would be arraigned in court, while seized items would be forfeited to the state in accordance with existing laws. Wahab reiterated that street trading remains illegal in Lagos and assured residents that enforcement would continue to be carried out firmly and fairly.
In a separate operation prompted by reports of illegal trading activities around St. Paul’s Breadfruit School, the commissioner directed task force operatives to carry out immediate enforcement along Davies Street.
The operation, which took place at about 1:30 pm on Friday, saw the removal of all stalls and makeshift structures attached to the school fence and those extending onto the road. The affected area was subsequently cleaned to restore order and safety.
Wahab stressed that school environments and access roads must not be converted into trading corridors, noting that such activities pose environmental and safety risks, particularly to children.
He added that continuous monitoring of the affected areas would be sustained to prevent a return of illegal trading, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring that public spaces are respected and remain accessible to all residents.
