‘No more Gala and Lacasera inside traffic’: Reactions as Lagos declare zero tolerance for street trading

The Lagos State Government, on Wednesday, read the Riot Act to street traders in the state, especially on the Third Mainland Bridge and Eko Bridge.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, in a statement, declared zero tolerance for street trading in the areas.

Omobolaji stressed that the action was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to promote a cleaner and more aesthetic environment, ensure total enforcement of the environmental sanitation laws and create a safer state for all.

The Omobolaji warned that anyone apprehended would be made to face prosecution at the established Mobile Courts in line with the state environmental laws, in addition to having the wares they hawk and display on major roads confiscated.

“The latest enforcement drive against street traders, when commenced, would be a continuous one that would also be sustained,” the statement added.

He noted that Lagos, a megacity that is developing into a smart city, had no place for street traders who not only constituted an eyesore to the aesthetics of the city and exposed themselves to hazardous situations but also constituted a threat to the security of lives and property.

He added that the governor had given a nod to the enforcement which would be carried out by a special task force of the Kick Against Indiscipline in collaboration with other security agencies.

Reacting, a netizen on Nairaland said; “O pari (It’s finished). No more Gala and Lacasera inside traffic on Third Mainland Bridge and Eko Bridge.”

Another reacted; “Good development, the government should also ensure the traders are housed in shops”.

In support, another said; “It should be stopped on ikorodu road too, oshodi isolo and abule egba. All major expressroads.”