… illegal occupants at Alaba Rago

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

LAGOS — The Lagos State Taskforce has issued a 72-hour quit notice to street traders and illegal occupants operating along the Alaba Rago corridor of the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway, ahead of a planned enforcement exercise aimed at restoring environmental order in the area.

The exercise, which will be carried out in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, targets illegal trading activities on highways, walkways, road medians and setbacks in line with the state’s environmental laws and ban on street trading.

Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to enforce the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law and other regulations designed to maintain environmental sanity across the metropolis.

According to Akerele, persistent illegal trading and environmental violations along the corridor have generated complaints from motorists, pedestrians, residents, visitors entering the country through the Seme border, and environmental stakeholders.

He noted that the planned operation would tackle the proliferation of makeshift shops, illegal structures, mini brothels, used plastic depots, indiscriminate waste disposal, unregulated trading activities and other environmental infractions affecting the area.

The enforcement exercise is being coordinated under the supervision of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, led by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab.

Akerele, who addressed traders and occupants during a sensitisation and public enlightenment campaign, urged those affected to voluntarily vacate the area within 72 hours to avoid sanctions.

He described the Alaba Rago corridor along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, popularly known as the ECOWAS Road, as a strategic gateway that cannot be allowed to deteriorate under the weight of illegal activities and environmental abuse.

“Lagos State cannot pretend or look the other way over the level of illegal activities and environmental hazards here. This situation does not reflect the status of a modern megacity. The time has come to enforce the laws and correct these abnormalities,” Akerele said.

He added that the state government had adopted a stakeholder-engagement approach by carrying out sensitisation and consultations before commencing enforcement.

“Everyone knows that trading on highways, walkways and setbacks is illegal. However, because of the Lagos State Government’s people-oriented approach and inclusive governance policy, we have engaged all relevant parties before taking action.

“After this, enforcement will commence against anyone who continues to violate the laws of the state,” he said.

The taskforce chairman warned that after the expiration of the 72-hour notice, goods belonging to violators would be confiscated and offenders prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to maintaining environmental cleanliness, public safety and security in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the administration.

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