The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified enforcement against illegal street trading, dislodging traders occupying road corridors and other unauthorised spaces around Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and the Costain Under Bridge/National Theatre axis.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), targeted traders whose activities were obstructing pedestrian and vehicular movement along the affected corridors.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said on Tuesday that the enforcement formed part of the authority’s sustained efforts to protect public spaces, improve environmental cleanliness and ensure that roads and walkways are used for their intended purposes.
Gbadegesin said the occupation of road corridors and pedestrian walkways by traders not only undermined the orderly use of public spaces but also contributed to environmental nuisance in the affected areas.
He warned traders against returning to road corridors, walkways and other unauthorised locations, urging them to operate only from designated and approved trading areas.
According to him, maintaining orderly public spaces requires continuous compliance with environmental regulations and sustained enforcement by relevant authorities.
‘LAWMA will continue to work with relevant government agencies to address activities that undermine environmental standards and public order,’ he said.
The enforcement comes as the authority seeks to maintain cleaner and more accessible public spaces along busy Lagos corridors, where the presence of roadside traders can affect the movement of pedestrians and vehicles.
Gbadegesin urged residents and other stakeholders to support the enforcement efforts by complying with established regulations and refraining from activities that obstruct public spaces or contribute to environmental degradation.
He also said LAWMA would continue to monitor the affected areas to prevent the return of illegal trading activities and ensure sustained compliance.
The authority said the latest operation was part of its broader enforcement activities aimed at maintaining environmental standards and protecting public spaces across Lagos.