By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to street traders and illegal occupants operating along the Alaba Rago axis of the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway.

They are directed to vacate the area ahead of a planned enforcement exercise.

The Chairman of the Task force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, announced this in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan on Wednesday in Lagos.

Akerele said that the move was part of efforts by the state government to enforce environmental laws and the ban on street trading as stipulated in the state’s 2017 Environmental Management and Protection Law.

He said the planned operation, which would be carried out in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, was aimed at clearing illegal trading activities on highways, walkways, road medians and setbacks along the corridor.

“The exercise is aimed at addressing growing concerns over environmental degradation, safety risks and security challenges associated with the area,” he said.

The chairman urged traders and occupants of the affected locations to voluntarily relocate before the expiration of the notice.

He described the Alaba Rago corridor, situated along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, also known as the ECOWAS Road, as a strategic route that could no longer be allowed to suffer from widespread environmental and physical disorder.

“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,” he said.

He noted that the enforcement would tackle the proliferation of makeshift shops, illegal structures, mini brothels, used plastic depots, indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental infractions affecting the corridor.

The task force boss said the state government had engaged stakeholders through dialogue and sensitisation before embarking on enforcement, in line with its inclusive governance policy.

“Everyone knows that trading on highways, walkways and setbacks is illegal. However, because of the Lagos State Government’s people-oriented approach, 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.

He warned that goods belonging to violators would be confiscated after the expiration of the ultimatum, while offenders would face appropriate legal sanctions.

The chairman reiterated the commitment of the state government to maintaining environmental order, public safety and security in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the administration.

According to him, the enforcement exercise is being coordinated by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources under the leadership of the Commissioner, Mr Tokunbo Wahab. (NAN)