Lagos clamps down on street trading

Police begin enforcement of motor vehicle insurance in Ogun, Lagos

The Lagos State government will today begin a clampdown on street traders.

The clampdown will be spearheaded by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) and will be sustained for an unspecified period.

Commander of LAGESC, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), said his agency would enforce the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law, 2003, which prescribes a N90,000 fine or a six-month jail term for buyers and sellers.

He said this was the state government’s decision to ensure the safety and security of Lagos residents and sanity on the highways.

“We have made a series of arrests of hawkers in traffic who pose under the guise of selling items in traffic but end up robbing unsuspecting commuters of their valuables in the process. We are out to put a stop to it through this exercise,” he said.

The commander appealed to Lagos residents to support the government in achieving the state’s vision of mega-city status as enshrined in its THEMES Agenda.

MEANWHILE, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the police in Lagos and Ogun states have embarked on enforcing the mandatory minimum of third-party vehicle insurance.

The Nigeria Police Force cautioned vehicle owners and operators against non-compliance with this regulation. Failure to comply will result in strict enforcement actions, including fines, penalties, or both.

The command said the initiative aims to ensure vehicle owners comply with stipulated insurance requirements to protect themselves and other road users.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olanrewaju Ishola, charged officers on this enforcement exercise to be professional, courteous but firm in the discharge of their duties.

He equally warned that no form of incivility to members of the public would be tolerated.

The public are enjoined to cooperate with the police as this crucial enforcement exercise is a win-win situation for all.

In Ogun State, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, personally led the operation, which began on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at about 12:00 p.m.

Ogunlowo visited key areas in Abeokuta, including Olomore, Ibara, and OPIC Panseke, to monitor compliance levels among motorists.

The exercise revealed significant adherence to the directive, while some motorists appealed for additional time to update their insurance.

During the enforcement, motorists without valid third-party insurance but with other required vehicle documents were granted a grace period and educated on the importance of compliance.

Ogunlowo emphasised that third-party motor insurance is a crucial safety measure that provides financial protection for accident victims and ensures insurance companies compensate those affected.