The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has arrested 13 persons for allegedly engaging in illegal street trading at unauthorised locations across Lagos State, including Festac, Mile 2 and Ikorodu.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement, saying the arrests were made during enforcement operations conducted on Monday, and Tuesday.
Gbadegesin reiterated that roads, walkways, medians, road setbacks and other public spaces must remain accessible and free from activities that obstruct their intended use.
He urged traders to operate only in designated and approved markets, stressing the need for compliance with environmental regulations.
Those arrested in Festac and Mile 2 on Monday were identified as Joy Opeyemi, Abigail Manga, Chinasa Eze, Saika Taira, AbdulRasheed Elinu, Charles Nwango, Mustapha Abubakar, Aliyu Garba, Kazinu Umar, Moses Idara, Ahmed Yinusa, Yusuf Usman and Amaka Chukunju.
On Tuesday, LAWMA’s Project WISE team, in collaboration with officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and police officers, carried out another enforcement operation in Ikorodu, targeting traders operating in unauthorised locations.
According to the LAWMA chief, the operations were aimed at restoring order, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and preventing the obstruction of public spaces.
He added that the authority would sustain follow-up monitoring to discourage offenders from returning to the affected locations.
Gbadegesin noted that illegal street trading contributes to indiscriminate waste disposal, obstruction of public access, disorder and environmental nuisance, thereby undermining efforts to maintain a clean and liveable environment.
“Public roads and walkways must remain clear and accessible. We will sustain enforcement against unauthorised trading. We urge traders and residents to use approved markets,” he said.
LAWMA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and maintaining clean, orderly public spaces across Lagos State.
Share this content:
About The Author
