Operatives of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) have commenced a total cleanup of all environmental degradation in Apapa and its environs.

General Manager of LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba, said the cleanup began after the expiration of notices served on owners of illegal shanties, kiosks, containarised shops and abandoned trailers in the area.

Oreagba said the exercise, which would last for seven days, began with the demolition of illegal shanties, kiosks, containarised shops, towing of abandoned trailers and dismantling of illegal garages.

He confirmed that all those demolished illegal shanties around the Nigerian Port does not only constitute health and safety risks, but also served as a haven for criminals who make use of such locations as hideouts.

According to him, all abandoned trailers from the First Gate down to underneath Lilypond Bridge, constituting environmental nuisance have been towed by the team.

“The area is becoming a breeding ground for miscreants and hoodlums who on a daily basis extort money from innocent motorists and impede the free flow of traffic,” he added.

Speaking, General Manager Security, NPA, Mohammed Khalil, said the cleanup of all environmental degradation in Apapa and its environs was long overdue.

He stressed that NPA carried out radio jingles and enlightenment campaigns educating members of the public on the need for the exercise.

The Guardian learnt that Police (Lagos State Ports Command), Op MESA and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were on ground during the commencement of the exercise.