The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has demolished shanties and other illegal structures used by street traders and traffic vendors, along the first and second toll gates, of the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The Guardian gathered that the comprehensive enforcement exercise lasted for hours.
Lekki-Epe corridor has of late become notorious for sustained traffic congestion and other environmental nuisance, largely aided by illegal activities of the vendors.
Commenting on the exercise, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Ibrahim Odumboni, condemned activities of the traders on the route, warning that anyone caught trying to re-assemble the structures would be arrested and prosecuted.
The LAWMA boss appealed to residents to adopt a new approach on how they treat the environment.
He stressed the importance of environmental responsibility, cautioning that stringent penalties await those who continued to disregard the regulations in place.
Odumboni said the crackdown on street trading would be sustained in that axis and extended to others in the metropolis, in line with LAWMA’s mission to improve the overall cleanliness and livability of Lagos, adding that arrested offenders would be prosecuted, with their names and photographs published.
He said: “We have declared zero tolerance on street trading along the Lekki-Epe Expressway as these activities have led to significant environmental nuisances and traffic congestion.”
“It is our duty to ensure that our city remains clean and habitable for all residents and visitors. Hence, we urge all traders to vacate the expressway immediately and avoid further environmental infractions.”
