The Lagos State Government has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to street traders and illegal occupants operating along the Alaba Rago axis of the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway, directing them to vacate the area ahead of a planned enforcement exercise.
The directive was announced on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force), Adetayo Akerele, in a statement released through the agency’s spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan.
According to Akerele, the exercise forms part of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to enforce environmental regulations and the prohibition of street trading under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
He stated that the operation, which will be conducted in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, is aimed at clearing illegal trading activities on highways, walkways, road medians and setbacks along the Alaba Rago corridor.
“The exercise is aimed at addressing growing concerns over environmental degradation, safety risks and security challenges associated with the area,” Akerele said.
Government Targets Environmental and Safety Concerns
The task force chairman described the Alaba Rago section of the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, also known as the ECOWAS Road, as a strategic transportation corridor that can no longer be allowed to suffer from widespread environmental abuse and disorder.
He said the enforcement exercise would address the proliferation of makeshift structures, illegal shops, mini brothels, plastic waste depots, indiscriminate refuse dumping and other environmental infractions that have contributed to congestion and public safety concerns in the area.
“Lagos State cannot continue to ignore the level of illegal activities and environmental hazards within the corridor. This situation does not reflect the status of a modern megacity. The time has come to enforce the laws and restore order,” he stated.
Traders Urged to Relocate Voluntarily
Akerele urged affected traders and occupants to relocate voluntarily before the expiration of the notice, warning that enforcement would commence immediately after the deadline.
He noted that the government had engaged stakeholders through consultations and sensitisation campaigns before issuing the ultimatum, in line with its policy of inclusive governance.
“Everyone knows that trading on highways, walkways and road setbacks is prohibited. However, because of the government’s people-centred approach, we have taken time to engage all relevant stakeholders before taking action,” he said.
The chairman warned that goods belonging to violators would be confiscated and offenders prosecuted in accordance with the law once enforcement begins.
The planned operation is expected to form part of broader efforts by the Lagos State Government to tackle illegal street trading, improve traffic flow and enhance environmental conditions across major transport corridors in the state.
