The Lagos State Taskforce chairman CSP Shola Jejeloye has stated that street trading will no longer be permitted on the Oshodi axis.
He stated this during a meeting with Iyalaje of Oshodi/Isolo LCDA and her exco members concerning the nonchalance displayed by traders who obstructs the free movement of pedestrians and vehicular movement by displaying their wares by the roadside and walkways.
The Taskforce chairman disclosed this today during an interactive session held at his office in Bolade Oshodi where he enlightened the Iyaleje of the market union, Alhaja Abibat Ajasa and other exco members on the need for traders in Oshodi to adhere to the laid down laws governing trading and the environment which their members are fond of flouting.
He informed the visitors that he had a previous meeting sometime in May where he addressed the market men and women concerning the same issues but there was no positive response from them.
“This is the second in the series of meetings this year that we are having with traders from Oshodi/Isolo concerning street trading, and display of goods on the walkway because it is obvious my first message and actions were ignored,” the Lagos State Taskforce chairman said.
“I confiscated some of the goods of the traders then but we released them as a result of the promise made by the traders not to return to the road side. Unfortunately, they have done the exact opposite and I can assure you it will not be business as usual this time”
The Iyalaje of the market union notified the chairman of the agency that though she accepts the blame for the actions of the marketers. She noted that some unscrupulous elements grant them permission to display their wares within specific time frames of the day.
She assured the chairman that recognisable changes will be noticed henceforth after she notifies her colleagues of the new development. Alhaja Ajasa promised to give the State Taskforce all the necessary support in ensuring that the city remains clean and habitable for all.
Speaking at the meeting as well was the Babaloja of Oshodi/Isolo LCDA. Alhaji Tajudeen Lateef who appealed to the state government to proffer stiffer punishments for those who still engage in open defecation around the market and the city as a whole.
He said that once two or three scapegoats are convicted/fined for such unhygienic acts, it would serve as a deterrent to others.
Jejeloye assured the Market representatives of his support in achieving the desired environmental goals of the State, but warned that if anyone of them is found constituting nuisance on the Roads and walkways, we would be forced to arrest and prosecute such a person. “We must all work together to achieve an environmentally friendly and habitable Lagos” he concluded.
