The Lagos State Government, through a coordinated enforcement operation, arrested 36 individuals for engaging in illegal street trading along the road median of the Ojo-Alaba axis. The operation, conducted by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force, targeted traders who were displaying goods on unauthorized spaces, contributing to environmental degradation and public nuisance. The group of arrestees included 34 men and two women, apprehended for violating environmental regulations in the Alaba Rago Market area.
The enforcement action followed a recent inspection of the Alaba Rago Market by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who issued a stern ultimatum to traders to cease illegal activities on the road median. The operation was part of a broader initiative by the Lagos State Government to restore order, improve sanitation, and ensure compliance with environmental laws in key commercial areas. LAWMA and KAI officials emphasized that such activities not only obstruct traffic flow but also exacerbate waste management challenges in the bustling market corridor.
During the operation, three additional individuals were arrested for attempting to obstruct the enforcement process, bringing the total number of arrests to 39. The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a clean and orderly environment, warning that further violations would result in stricter penalties. The arrested individuals are set to face legal proceedings, with charges expected to be filed in court in the coming days, as authorities continue to clamp down on illegal street trading across the state.
The Ojo-Alaba axis, known for its vibrant commercial activity, has long been a hotspot for unregulated trading practices, with vendors spilling onto road medians and creating hazardous conditions for both pedestrians and motorists. The Lagos State Government has identified this area as a priority for environmental and urban management interventions, citing the need to balance economic activity with public safety and cleanliness. The recent arrests are part of a sustained campaign to address these issues, following similar enforcement actions in other parts of Lagos, such as Oshodi and Agege.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, who has been at the forefront of the state’s environmental sanitation efforts, underscored the importance of compliance with designated trading zones to prevent the recurrence of such violations. He noted that the government had previously engaged with market leaders to educate traders on proper waste disposal and the use of approved market spaces. Despite these efforts, persistent violations prompted the government to adopt a zero-tolerance approach, culminating in the June 7 operation.
The collaboration between LAWMA and KAI reflects a multi-agency approach to tackling urban challenges in Lagos, with both bodies working to enforce regulations and promote sustainable practices. LAWMA, in particular, has intensified its efforts to manage waste in high-traffic commercial zones, where illegal trading often leads to littering and environmental degradation. The KAI task force, known for its role in maintaining public order, has been instrumental in ensuring that enforcement actions are carried out swiftly and effectively.
The arrested traders were found selling a variety of goods, including food items, electronics and clothing, directly on the road median, which not only violates environmental laws but also poses significant health risks due to exposure to vehicular emissions and unsanitary conditions. The government has repeatedly warned that such practices undermine efforts to create a cleaner and more livable Lagos, a key objective of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. Residents and commuters in the Ojo-Alaba area have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the crackdown for its potential to reduce congestion, while others have called for alternative trading spaces to accommodate displaced vendors.
In addition to the arrests, LAWMA officials confiscated goods displayed on the median, further signaling the government’s resolve to deter future violations. The agency has also announced plans to intensify monitoring and surveillance in the area to prevent a resurgence of illegal trading activities. Market associations have been urged to cooperate with the government by ensuring their members adhere to designated trading zones and maintain proper waste disposal practices.
The three individuals arrested for obstructing the enforcement process were reportedly attempting to interfere with the operation by rallying other traders to resist the task force. Such actions, according to LAWMA, are considered serious offenses and will be met with appropriate legal consequences. The government has emphasized that it will not tolerate any attempts to undermine its efforts to maintain law and order in public spaces.
The Lagos State Government has also highlighted the broader implications of illegal street trading, including its impact on urban planning and infrastructure development. Road medians, originally designed as buffers to enhance road safety and aesthetics, have increasingly been encroached upon by traders, leading to visual clutter and safety hazards. The Ojo-Alaba operation is seen as a test case for similar interventions planned across other commercial hubs in Lagos, as the state seeks to align its urban management practices with global standards.
To address the root causes of illegal street trading, the government has promised to engage stakeholders, including market leaders and community representatives, to develop sustainable solutions. These include the provision of affordable market spaces and improved waste management infrastructure to support traders while maintaining environmental standards. However, officials have made it clear that enforcement will remain a key tool in ensuring compliance, with regular patrols and sanctions for violators.
As the arrested individuals await their court appearances, the Lagos State Government has called on all residents and traders to support its vision for a cleaner, safer, and more organized city. The success of the Ojo-Alaba operation, according to officials, depends on sustained cooperation between the government, traders, and the public. With Lagos continuing to grow as a major economic hub, such initiatives are critical to ensuring that development is both inclusive and sustainable.
Public awareness campaigns are also being planned to sensitize traders and residents about the importance of adhering to environmental regulations. These campaigns will focus on the health and safety risks associated with trading in unauthorized spaces, as well as the benefits of a cleaner and more organized market environment. The government hopes that such efforts will reduce the need for future enforcement actions by fostering voluntary compliance among traders.
The Ojo-Alaba operation has sparked discussions about the need for long-term solutions to accommodate the growing number of informal traders in Lagos. While enforcement is necessary to maintain order, experts have suggested that the government explore options such as designated street markets or low-cost stalls to provide viable alternatives for traders. Such measures could help balance the economic needs of vendors with the state’s goals of urban cleanliness and safety.
In the meantime, the Lagos State Government has vowed to continue its enforcement operations across other parts of the state, with a focus on areas known for high levels of non-compliance. The KAI task force has been equipped with additional resources to carry out regular patrols and respond swiftly to reports of illegal trading. LAWMA, on its part, is working to improve waste collection and disposal systems in markets to address one of the root causes of environmental violations.
The arrests in Ojo-Alaba serve as a reminder of the government’s determination to enforce its regulations, even as it navigates the complex dynamics of urban commerce in one of Africa’s largest cities. As Lagos continues to evolve, the balance between economic activity and environmental sustainability will remain a key challenge for policymakers. The government’s actions in Ojo-Alaba signal a commitment to addressing this challenge head-on, with a focus on both enforcement and engagement to achieve lasting results.
