Lagos Intensifies Crackdown On Illegal Occupants Of Okokomaiko-Orile Road Median
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the sustained removal of illegal traders, squatters, and other occupants from the Okokomaiko-Orile road median, saying the corridor must remain free of encroachment to facilitate the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known during an inspection of the ongoing enforcement exercise along the busy highway. He said the visit was aimed at assessing compliance with the government’s directive to clear illegal structures and commercial activities from the area.
According to Wahab, the government had engaged traders occupying the median for several years but had recorded little lasting compliance, describing the continued occupation as an abuse of public infrastructure funded by taxpayers.
He explained that authorities had repeatedly cleared illegal occupants from the Okokomaiko end towards Orile but stressed that the government was now determined to ensure a permanent solution through continuous monitoring and enforcement.
The commissioner noted that the wide road median was specifically designed to accommodate the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project and warned that the state would not allow any activities capable of obstructing the project.
Wahab also urged residents to adopt proper waste disposal practices by using their designated Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators. He cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads, medians, and other public spaces.
He advised residents to report any failure in waste collection by PSP operators to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), assuring them that service providers are obligated to deliver efficient waste management services.
The commissioner further disclosed that the state government was intensifying sanitation enforcement in markets, warning that market leaders and traders would be held accountable for maintaining clean and hygienic trading environments.
“If traders cannot keep their markets clean, then they should not be doing business there. Environmental cleanliness is a collective responsibility and must be taken seriously by everyone,” Wahab said.
He revealed that the ministry had prosecuted more than 100 offenders over the past year for encroaching on road medians and violating environmental laws.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure, Wahab said enforcement of environmental regulations would continue without fear or favour to preserve the alignment for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project and promote a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.
