LASG bans street trading in Oyingbo, shuts market over environmental infractions

Lagos State Government yesterday stated that all the illegal street traders in Oyingbo driven away from the roads must relocate to the main market.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello made this known following the closure of the market, for environmental infractions including indiscriminate refuse dumping, refusal to patronize PSP operators, roadside trading and poor hygienic practices, resulting in environmental problems in the area. Bello blamed the illegal street traders for the traffic bottlenecks along the market’s corridor, advising leaders of the market to meet the Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government to fashion out ways of accommodating the street traders in the main market and warned that the state government will no longer condone the excesses of the traders who have abandoned the market for the streets.

According to Bello, activities of the traders were unacceptable to the state government, which was left with no other option but to protect the interest of the larger majority of residents who are daily slowed down by activities of the street traders who were also in the habit of littering the roads with refuse. He maintained that despite several warnings, the traders turned deaf ears.

Bello stated that LAGESC has been drafted to the market and the adjoining streets with instructions to arrest any street trader found within the vicinity, disclosing that the operatives have also been warned that they will face stern disciplinary measures if found to be collaborating with any street trader. He also warned street traders in major areas of Lagos like Marina, Agege, Mushin, Alimosho and Obalende that their days are numbered, as massive enforcement will soon come to their locations.

Special Adviser to the Governor on New Media, Jubril Aremu Gawat, said the market would be reopened when traders begin to comply. Speaking on the development, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, warned that the grace period for environmental defaulters has expired, as the agency has begun total enforcement against all forms of illegal and reckless waste disposal. He said residents should call 07080601020 for complaints and information.