The Ogun State Ministry of Environment’s task force has intensified efforts to eliminate street trading and the display of goods on road setbacks across the state.
The operation, which targeted key locations in the state capital, including Panseke, the under bridge, Omida, Sapon markets, and Iyana-Mortuary junction, was conducted in collaboration with officials from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), So-Safe Corps, and Environmental Marshals. The task force was led by the Special Adviser to the State Governor, Alhaji Faruk Akintunde.
The enforcement, according to Akintunde, was aimed at ensuring traders comply with environmental laws, particularly the maintenance of setbacks to safeguard lives and property. He emphasized that the government’s objective was not to inconvenience the traders but to prioritize their safety.
Akintunde also revealed that several warnings had been issued to traders prior to the operation by the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya. As part of the operation, goods belonging to defiant traders were seized, with the option to reclaim them upon payment of a fine. He stressed that the safety of lives was the government’s top priority.
A trader at Panseke Market, Mrs. Elizabeth Oladoyin, responded, noting that the Iyaloja and Babaloja of the market had previously warned traders against displaying goods on walkways, urging them to avoid blocking traffic and reducing the risk of accidents.
