Lagos: LAWMA Arrests 13 Over Illegal Street Trading

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has arrested 13 persons over alleged illegal street trading in parts of Lagos State.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement, saying the arrests were made during enforcement operations in Festac, Mile 2 and Ikorodu.

According to him, the 13 suspects were arrested in Festac and Mile 2 on Monday, while another enforcement operation was carried out in Ikorodu on Tuesday by LAWMA’s Project WISE team, in collaboration with officials of Kick Against Indiscipline and the police.

Those arrested were identified 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.

Gbadegesin warned traders against operating on roads, walkways, medians, road setbacks and other unauthorised public spaces, urging them to conduct their businesses in designated markets.

He said illegal street trading contributes to indiscriminate waste disposal, obstructs public access and creates environmental nuisance.

“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,” he said.

The LAWMA chief added that the authority would continue monitoring the affected areas to prevent traders from returning to unauthorised locations.

He said the operations were part of efforts to enforce environmental regulations and maintain clean and orderly public spaces across Lagos State.