Lagos Taskforce Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum To Alaba Rago Traders, Begins Highway Clearance Plan
The Lagos State Taskforce has announced plans to commence the removal of illegal trading activities, structures and other environmental violations along the Alaba Rago axis of the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway.
The enforcement exercise, being carried out in collaboration with relevant government agencies, is aimed at clearing street traders occupying highways, walkways, road medians and setbacks in the area.
According to the Taskforce, the move is part of ongoing efforts to enforce Lagos State environmental laws and restore order along major corridors across the metropolis.
The agency said the activities along the Alaba Rago corridor had raised concerns among motorists, residents, pedestrians and other stakeholders due to environmental degradation, security risks and safety challenges associated with the area.
It listed some of the issues targeted in the planned operation to include makeshift shops, illegal structures, mini brothels, used plastic depots, indiscriminate waste disposal and other unregulated commercial activities.
The enforcement is being coordinated under the supervision of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, led by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, as part of efforts to maintain a cleaner and safer Lagos.
Speaking during a sensitisation exercise with traders and occupants in the area, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, gave affected persons a 72-hour deadline to voluntarily vacate the areas.
Akerele said the Alaba Rago corridor, located along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, also known as the ECOWAS Road, was too strategic for the government to ignore the growing illegal activities and environmental challenges there.
“Lagos State cannot pretend or look the other way over the level of illegal activities and environmental hazards here. This situation does not reflect the status of a modern megacity. The time has come to enforce the laws and correct these abnormalities,” he said.
The Taskforce chairman explained that the government had engaged relevant stakeholders through dialogue and sensitisation before commencing enforcement.
He warned that traders and occupants who failed to comply with the directive after the expiration of the 72-hour notice would have their goods confiscated and face possible legal action.
Akerele reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to promoting environmental order, public safety and security in line with the administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
