Rivers State Government to begin clampdown on street trading

The Rivers State government will on Monday, January 4 begin the enforcement of the ban on street trading across the state,

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, on Sunday reads partly, “This is to inform the general public that with effect from Monday, January 4, 2021, the state government will begin the enforcement of the ban on street trading, illegal motor parks, taxi ranks and mechanic workplaces.

“All those involved in these illegal activities along our streets and other public places are advised to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law.

“Law enforcement agencies and relevant government bodies have been directed to arrest and prosecute defaulters.”

Recall in August 2019, the state government inaugurated a task force to curb the widespread street trading and return the state to its ‘Garden City’ state. The state’s House of Assembly also passed a bill to effect the clamp down.

Also in a statewide broadcast on January 2, the state governor, Nyesom Wike re-enforce the ban on street trading which includes illegal motor parks, taxi stops, mechanic workplaces and unlicensed kiosks from January 4.