The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced plans to arrest and prosecute individuals who patronise traders operating illegally on roads, medians, walkways, setbacks and other unauthorised public spaces across the state.
The enforcement is expected to commence next week in accordance with Section 151(2) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this at his office, saying the move formed part of a renewed strategy to tackle illegal trading, indiscriminate waste disposal and obstruction of public infrastructure in Lagos.
Gbadegesin said enforcement would no longer focus solely on illegal traders, as buyers who patronise them would also be held accountable under the law.
He explained that the legislation not only prohibits street trading but also makes it an offence to purchase goods displayed or offered for sale in prohibited locations.
“From next week, anyone found buying from traders operating on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks or other unauthorised spaces will be arrested, alongside the traders, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
The LAWMA boss urged residents to desist from patronising illegal roadside traders, warning that such activities contribute to environmental pollution, obstruct pedestrian and vehicular movement and undermine efforts to maintain orderly public spaces across the state.
