LAWMA arrests 13 traders in Lagos enforcement drive

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has arrested 13 people for allegedly trading in unauthorised public spaces in Festac and Mile 2, with a further enforcement operation conducted in Ikorodu as the state intensifies its clampdown on street trading.

 The arrests in Festac and Mile 2 were made on Monday, October 12, while LAWMA’s Project WISE team, working with officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline and the police, carried out another operation in Ikorodu on Tuesday, October 13.

 The authority did not disclose the number of people apprehended in Ikorodu or whether any of those arrested had been charged with an offence.

 In a statement obtained by The PUNCH on Thursday, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the operations were intended to clear unauthorised trading spots and prevent traders from obstructing roads, walkways, medians and road setbacks.

 He warned that enforcement would continue, urging traders to operate only in approved markets.

• LASEMA contains three fire incidents, averts tanker explosion
• Lagos warns against consuming groundnut oil from fallen tanker
• Lagos trains 1,800 law enforcement officers

 “Public roads and walkways must remain clear and accessible. We will sustain enforcement against unauthorised trading. We urge traders and residents to use approved markets,” Gbadegesin said.

 The authority listed those arrested in Festac and Mile 2 as Joy Opeyemi, Abigail Manga, Chinasa Eze, Saika Taira, AbdulRasheed Elinu, Charles Nwango, Mustapha Abubakar, Aliyu Garba, Kazinu Umar, Moses Idara, Ahmed Yinusa, Yusuf Usman and Amaka Chukunju.

 LAWMA said unauthorised street trading contributed to illegal dumping, obstruction and environmental nuisance, undermining efforts to keep public spaces clean and accessible.

 The authority said it would sustain monitoring after the operations to deter traders from returning to the affected areas.