Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on
Wednesday directed the Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Other
Special Offences to carry out full enforcement of the law restricting street
trading in the metropolis.
The Governor, in a statement signed by the
Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, expressed concern
about the resurgence of street trading in major areas of the state, noting that
not only do they constitute environmental nuisance, but also pose security
threat to citizens.
He said there is an existing law in the state prohibiting
street trading, urging those interested in doing business to seek for space in
the various modern markets redeveloped by the state government to enhance
business activities.
“At the State Security Council Meeting on July 7, it was
resolved that the act of street trading that has continued to hamper free flow
of traffic on Lagos roads which further constitutes nuisance and security
threat to law abiding citizens will no longer be tolerated”.
“Therefore, street traders and buyers will henceforth be
arrested and prosecuted. The Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special
Offences has been mandated to ensure the Law of the State against street
trading is enforced to the letter”, the Governor said.
He said that all security agencies have resolved to beef up
security in the State so as to ensure that it remains safe for citizens and
investors alike.
He also urged residents in the state not to encourage the
trend by patronizing them, saying in doing so, they indirectly aid and abet
crime.
Governor Ambode also frowned at the prevalence of street
begging, saying that some unscrupulous persons hide under the guise of seeking
alms to rob unsuspecting members of the public. To this end, he said
efforts will be made to rid the state of street beggars and destitutes.
“We’ve had security reports on the activities of persons who
pose as beggars, especially in traffic, but their sole aim is to perpetrate
evil. We are putting a search light on this trend and one way to do that is to
ensure that we take preemptive measures to forestall this development”, the
Governor said.
