The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) has warned against the unauthorised use of public roads for street parties in the state.
This warning comes after the taskforce ended the use of public roads in organising a street party in the Yaba area of the state.
According to a statement issued by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, its operatives prevented “what could have resulted in a major traffic gridlock along Lawani Street, off University Road, Yaba, where an entire lane of the roadway had been illegally cordoned off for a private anniversary celebration.”
The taskforce mentioned that the incident occurred today on Lawani Street, off University Road, a critical alternative route currently serving as a support corridor due to ongoing road construction on an adjoining road.
The unlawful occupation of one lane for a social gathering significantly impeded the free flow of vehicular movement and posed a serious inconvenience to commuters and other road users.
Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, immediately mobilised enforcement officers to the scene. Upon arrival, the operatives removed the illegal barricades and confiscated canopies, chairs, tables and other materials deployed to obstruct the public roadway, thereby restoring normal traffic flow.
Speaking on the operation, CSP Akerele condemned the growing practice of converting public roads into private event venues, stressing that no individual has the right to appropriate public infrastructure for personal celebrations at the expense of the general public.
He warned organisers of such unlawful gatherings and other individuals who deliberately obstruct roads for social events to desist from the act, advising them to utilise designated event centres or obtain the necessary approvals where applicable.
“Public roads are constructed for the benefit of all Lagosians and must not be converted into private event spaces. Anyone found obstructing traffic or blocking public roads for social activities will face the full weight of the law. We will not tolerate actions that disrupt public order or frustrate the daily livelihood of residents,” the chairman stated.
CSP Akerele further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the agency by reporting through 09137555111 & 09138555111 or via the social media handles activities capable of endangering public safety, obstructing road networks or degrading the environment.
He assured Lagos residents that the task force remains resolute in enforcing extant laws and maintaining order, safety and sanity across the metropolis in line with the vision of the Lagos State Government.
