The Lagos State Government has declared zero tolerance for street trading on the Third Mainland Bridge and Eko Bridge.
The riot act to street traders is contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, on Wednesday.
According to Gaji, there is a need to re-sensitize the public and get support from all stakeholders to eradicate street trading and other environmental nuisances.
He said the warning is given to encourage residents who are contravening the law to look for other legal businesses as enforcement agents and agencies will come after them.
The statement also warned that all the wares hawked and displayed on major roads will be confiscated and anyone apprehended will face prosecution at the Mobile Courts in line with the State Environmental laws.
The Permanent Secretary noted that Lagos is a megacity that is developing into a smart city an it has no place for street traders who become dents to the aesthetics of the city while exposing themselves to hazardous situations.
He also assured that the latest enforcement drive against street traders, when commenced, would be a continuous one that would also be sustained, adding that many of the street traders are criminals masquerading as hawkers to attack unsuspecting motorists.
The enforcement exercise, he said will be carried out by a special task force of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and other enforcement agencies.
Sounding a note of warning, Gaji said violent attacks should not be unleashed on enforcement officers on duty, advising that they comply with all State Laws and not prevent authorized agencies from carrying out their tasks.
The permanent secretary added that the action is backed by the state government and is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to promote a cleaner and more aesthetic environment in Lagos.
