The Oyo State Government has set machinery in motion to clamp down on street traders with the enforcement of a total ban on street trading in the State.
A statement by Rotimi Babalola, PRO, Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, on Wednesday in Ibadan said the move came following the state Government’s sensitization at Ibadan markets many weeks ago on the need to get rid of illegal trading.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Modupe Adeleye, said the move is in furtherance of the state government’s commitment to stamp out street trading on the state highways and other major streets in the metropolis.
She said in Oyo State, street trading is now prohibited and a punishable offence according to the environmental laws of the State.
Mrs. Adeleye added that the State government, under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde, places a premium on the safety of lives and properties.
According to her, “It is no longer news to anyone that the Oyo State Government will no longer tolerate street trading in the State and the ministry will be enforcing the law in full force, henceforth”.
Adeleye disclosed that the strict enforcement exercise that has commenced in Ibadan is an implementation of a long-existing enactment by the state government on the Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law, which prescribes specific punishment for both the buyer and the seller of any goods or services on the streets.
Speaking further, Mrs. Adeleye also appealed to residents to ensure proper disposal of refuse in the State, as the Oyo State Government will not tolerate illegal disposal of refuse by residents.
She enjoined market leaders in the state to ensure members adhere strictly to the environmental laws, urging them to engage a government-approved Waste Management consultant, Mottainai Recycling Ltd.
It could be recalled that the ministry had earlier engaged traders in aggressive sensitization and awareness-raising about the government’s zero tolerance for street trading. In attendance were all stakeholders, including the Babaloja General of Oyo State and other market leaders.
Markets visited by the Permanent Secretary and officials of the Ministry include Beere Market, Oja-Oba, Idi-Arere, Oranyan, Molete, Eleyele, and Bodija International Market, amongst others.
