The Lagos State Government has dislodged illegal street traders operating along Bishop Oluwole Street in Victoria Island as part of its ongoing campaign to restore order and improve mobility across the city.
The operation, carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), was announced on Monday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through the ministry’s official X handle. Wahab explained that the enforcement was aimed at ensuring free vehicular and pedestrian movement, while also maintaining the environmental and aesthetic standards of Lagos.
“We urge all traders to relocate to approved markets and commercial zones. Continuous violation will attract stricter sanctions,” Wahab warned, adding that the state would not relent in its crackdown on illegal trading and unapproved structures.
In recent months, the Lagos State Government has intensified its enforcement drive across several parts of the city, including Maryland and Isolo, where similar operations were carried out to dismantle roadside trading and illegal constructions. Officials say the broader initiative is designed to address congestion, improve sanitation, and enhance the overall quality of urban life in Lagos.
Wahab, who has overseen several of these enforcement operations since assuming office, reiterated that the government’s priority is to balance commercial activities with public order. He stressed that while the state welcomes vibrant trade, it must be conducted within designated zones that do not compromise safety, environmental health, or the city’s infrastructure.