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.
(C) yemojanewsng
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