The Lagos State Taskforce has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to traders and other occupants illegally operating along the Alaba Rago corridor of the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway ahead of an enforcement exercise aimed at clearing highways, walkways, medians and setbacks of all forms of obstruction.
The planned operation, which will be carried out in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, is part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to enforce environmental regulations and the ban on street trading as contained in the state’s environmental laws.
According to a statement issued by Gbade Abdulraheem, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce), the exercise is intended to address persistent environmental and safety concerns associated with activities along the corridor.
Abdulraheem said the Chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, disclosed the development during a public sensitisation and enlightenment exercise held for traders and occupants in the affected areas.
He noted that concerns had been raised by motorists, pedestrians, residents, visitors and environmental stakeholders over the increasing level of environmental degradation, traffic obstruction, safety risks and security challenges linked to activities along the corridor.
According to the statement, the enforcement exercise will target makeshift shops, illegal structures, used-plastic depots, indiscriminate waste disposal sites and other activities considered to be in violation of environmental regulations.
“The illegal activities and street trading along the corridor have continued to generate concerns from motorists, pedestrians, residents, visitors entering the country through the Seme border and environmental stakeholders who have repeatedly raised concerns over the increasing environmental degradation, safety risks and security challenges associated with the area,” the statement quoted Akerele as saying.
The Taskforce chairman described the Alaba Rago corridor, located along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, as a strategic route whose condition requires urgent government attention.
“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.
The statement explained that the operation is being coordinated under the supervision of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and is aimed at restoring environmental order and improving public safety.
Akerele said the government had opted for stakeholder engagement and public sensitisation before embarking on enforcement in line with its consultative approach to governance.
“Everyone knows that trading on highways, walkways and setbacks is illegal. However, because of the Lagos State Government’s people-oriented approach and inclusive governance policy, we have engaged all relevant parties before taking action,” he said.
He added that enforcement would commence after the expiration of the notice period.
“After this, enforcement will commence against anyone who continues to violate the laws of the state,” he stated.
The chairman further warned that goods displayed in prohibited locations could be confiscated, while violators may face sanctions prescribed by law.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining environmental order, public safety and security across the state, urging affected occupants to take advantage of the notice period to vacate the designated areas voluntarily.
Residents were also encouraged to comply with environmental regulations and support efforts aimed at preserving public infrastructure and maintaining a cleaner urban environment.
