WE WILL SUSTAIN CLEARANCE OF ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS ON OKOKOMAIKO-ORILE ROAD MEDIAN, ENFORCE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS - LASG
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday reaffirmed its determination to permanently rid the Okokomaiko–Orile road median of illegal traders and squatters declaring that the encroached median has been designated for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project and must remain free for its intended purpose.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab made the declaration during an inspection of the ongoing dislodgement exercise being carried out in compliance with the directive of the Governor of Lagos State to clear all illegal structures and commercial activities obstructing the road median along the busy highway.
Speaking during the inspection, Wahab said the visit was to assess the level of compliance and evaluate the progress of the exercise, noting that the State Government had consistently engaged the traders over the years without lasting success.
He stated that the continued occupation of the median by traders could no longer be tolerated, describing the development as an abuse of critical public infrastructure constructed with taxpayers' money.
According to him, "This is a major highway built with public funds. For years, we have repeatedly engaged those occupying the median and consistently pushed them back from the Okokomaiko end to Orile; Enough is enough. We are determined to permanently clear this corridor and ensure that it remains free from all forms of encroachment."
The Commissioner explained that the wide road median was deliberately designed to accommodate the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project and warned that the State Government would sustain regular monitoring and enforcement to prevent a return of illegal occupants.
"We will continue to patrol this stretch and ensure that those dislodged do not return; This median has been reserved for the rail project, and it must be protected for that purpose," he added.
Addressing environmental sanitation, Wahab urged residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices by patronising their assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators, stressing that indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads, medians and other public spaces remains unacceptable.
He encouraged residents to report any failure in waste collection by PSP operators to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), assuring them that service providers are obligated to render efficient services.
"It does not reflect positively on us as a people when waste generated in our homes is dumped on road medians and other public places. Residents should patronise their PSP operators and immediately report any failure in service delivery to LAWMA. There is no justification for indiscriminate waste disposal," he said.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the State Government is intensifying sanitation enforcement across markets, warning that market leaders and traders must take responsibility for maintaining clean trading environments.
"If traders cannot keep their markets clean, then they should not be doing business there. Environmental cleanliness is a collective responsibility and must be taken seriously by everyone," he said.
Wahab revealed that the Ministry has, within the last year, prosecuted more than 100 offenders for encroaching on road medians and violating environmental regulations.
He maintained that Lagos State environmental laws provide clear sanctions for acts that undermine public infrastructure and environmental sustainability, stressing that enforcement would continue without fear or favour.
The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to protecting critical public infrastructure, preserving the alignment for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project, improving environmental sanitation and ensuring that Lagos remains a clean, resilient and sustainable city for all.
The Commissioner was accompanied by the Special Adviser on Environment Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; Lagos State Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adebayo Akerele; Managing Director, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin as well as Directors from the Ministry.
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