The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has arrested 13 people for allegedly trading in unauthorised public spaces in Festac and Mile 2 as the Lagos State Government intensifies enforcement against street trading.
The arrests were made on Monday, October 12, during an enforcement operation carried out by LAWMA’s Project WISE team in collaboration with officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and the police.
LAWMA said the operation targeted traders operating on roads, walkways, medians and road setbacks in the Festac and Mile 2 areas.
The authority also conducted another enforcement operation in Ikorodu on Tuesday, October 13, as part of its wider effort to clear unauthorised trading locations across Lagos.
However, LAWMA did not disclose the number of people arrested during the Ikorodu operation or whether any of those apprehended had been charged with an offence.
In a statement, LAWMA Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the enforcement was aimed at keeping public roads and walkways clear and accessible.
“Public roads and walkways must remain clear and accessible. We will sustain enforcement against unauthorised trading. We urge traders and residents to use approved markets,” Gbadegesin said.
According to the authority, unauthorised street trading contributes to illegal dumping, obstruction and other environmental nuisances, making it more difficult to maintain clean and accessible public spaces.
LAWMA said the 13 people arrested in Festac and Mile 2 included Joy Opeyemi, Abigail Manga, Chinasa Eze, Saika Taira, AbdulRasheed Elinu, Charles Nwango, Mustapha Abubakar, Aliyu Garba, Kazinu Umar, Moses Idara, Ahmed Yinusa, Yusuf Usman and Amaka Chukunju.
The authority said enforcement would continue in the affected areas and other parts of the state to prevent traders from returning to unauthorised locations.
LAWMA urged traders to operate from approved markets and warned that public roads, walkways and other designated spaces must remain free from activities that obstruct movement or create environmental problems.
The latest operation adds Festac and Mile 2 to the areas where the state’s enforcement teams are currently stepping up action against unauthorised street trading.