Lagos State Government on Tuesday launched a direct advocacy campaign to engage residents on environmental sustainability, as officials conducted a one-on-one sanitation drive across key locations.
Leading the initiative, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, inspected several areas, including Oyingbo Market, where he issued a 48-hour ultimatum to traders encroaching on newly constructed drainage channels by displaying goods on medians and walkways.
Addressing the traders, Wahab emphasized the need for compliance with urban planning regulations, urging them to move into designated stalls rather than operating on roadsides, which exposes them to hazards.
“Oyingbo is where we have the train interchange for the Red Line, with significant infrastructure investments by the State Government. Unfortunately, road networks, walkways, and drainage passages have been converted into markets. Traders engaging in these illegal activities were served a 24-hour notice yesterday, which has now expired. Today, I am here for a one-on-one appeal before enforcement begins,” he stated.
He further warned that if the traders fail to vacate, enforcement would commence after the close of business on Wednesday, as their activities have obstructed newly built drainage systems.
The state officials also visited Eko Hotel/Zenith Roundabout, where Wahab lamented that the drainage channels and roads had been turned into markets. He reiterated the government’s stance against unauthorized trading in public spaces and urged vendors to relocate to formal markets.
“We received numerous complaints that this roundabout had become a commercial hub. We are here to appeal to traders to vacate immediately,” Wahab said.
During his visit to the underbridge area at Idumota/Ebute Ero Police Post, the Commissioner supervised the removal of illegal stalls and warned against erecting structures under the bridge, citing environmental hazards and safety risks.
He reminded traders of previous warnings and enforcement actions, emphasizing that the government would maintain a balance between economic activities and urban order.
“Traders are human beings striving for a livelihood, but their businesses must operate within legal boundaries,” he added.
Also, the inspection team visited Outer Marina by CFAO/Elegbata, where government officials assessed ongoing drainage restoration efforts. Wahab explained that a previously blocked conduit, which had caused persistent flooding and road damage, was being reopened to discharge directly into the lagoon. The state and federal governments, he said, were collaborating on a lasting solution.
He appealed to residents to adopt environmentally friendly practices, particularly in waste disposal, and support the government’s efforts to phase out single-use plastics and styrofoam containers.
“We are intensifying this one-on-one advocacy across all markets and streets. From Oyingbo, we are heading to Yaba, Ojo, and other areas. Enforcement will continue, and we will keep appealing to residents as the rainy season approaches,” Wahab assured.
Accompanying the Commissioner were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; General Manager, Lagos State Waste Management Office (LASWMO), Engr. Adefemi Afolabi; and KAI Corps Marshall, Major Olatubosun Cole (Rtd), alongside other ministry and agency officials.
The team covered key locations, including Ebute Ero, Idumota, Outer Marina, Eko Hotel Roundabout, and Oyingbo Market, reinforcing the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability and urban order.