Lagos Task Force Concludes Statewide Campaign Against Traffic, Environmental Violations
AYOMIDE TIWATAYO, Lagos
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, popularly known as the Lagos State Task Force, has concluded its statewide sensitisation campaign aimed at promoting traffic discipline, environmental sanitation and public safety across the state.
The campaign ended on Thursday, October 15, 2026, with a grand finale involving coordinated public enlightenment activities across major traffic corridors and commercial centres, including Oshodi, Ikeja, Iyana Ipaja, Iba, Ojo, Kosofe and Lagos Island.
The exercise, themed “Towards Achieving Traffic and Environmental Orderliness and Public Safety in Lagos State: The Dos and Don’ts,” was designed to educate residents on their civic responsibilities and encourage compliance with existing traffic and environmental regulations.
Leading the exercise along the Oshodi axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, the Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, spearheaded a “Warning Before Enforcement” campaign, engaging motorists, commercial drivers, street traders and other road users on the need to maintain orderliness in public spaces.
During the sensitisation exercise, Akerele and his team urged residents to comply with traffic regulations, avoid obstructing pedestrian walkways and roadways, and refrain from activities that could impede the free flow of traffic or compromise environmental cleanliness.
The Task Force chairman explained that the initiative was intended to complement the agency’s enforcement responsibilities by educating residents about relevant laws and giving them the opportunity to correct violations before enforcement measures are applied.
He said the campaign reflected the commitment of the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to building a cleaner, safer and more orderly state through public enlightenment, stakeholder engagement and effective enforcement of existing laws.
Akerele noted that taking the campaign directly to major roads, commercial centres and densely populated communities was necessary to reach residents in areas where traffic congestion and environmental violations were particularly prevalent.
He emphasised that achieving sustainable traffic management and environmental orderliness required more than enforcement, stressing the importance of cooperation among motorists, transport unions, traders, market associations, community leaders and residents.
The chairman also warned against the unauthorised use of public roads, pedestrian walkways and other public infrastructure for trading or activities that could obstruct movement and endanger public safety.
Commercial drivers were urged to observe traffic rules, while street traders were advised to operate only in authorised locations and avoid encroaching on roadways, walkways and other public spaces.
According to Akerele, the “Warning Before Enforcement” approach demonstrated the agency’s commitment to voluntary compliance through public education. However, he cautioned that persistent violations of relevant laws would attract appropriate enforcement action.
The Task Force said the statewide campaign had covered various local government areas and local council development areas, with the aim of deepening public awareness, encouraging responsible citizenship and strengthening cooperation between the government and residents.
It added that the conclusion of the campaign marked another step towards establishing a culture of compliance and shared responsibility for traffic management, environmental sustainability and public safety across Lagos.
The agency called on residents to heed the warnings and guidance provided during the exercise, reiterating that maintaining a clean, safe and orderly environment required the collective commitment of all Lagosians.
The statement was signed by AbdulRaheem Gbadeyan, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit.
