The Lagos State Environment and Sanitation Corps, LASESC, says it arrests an average of fifty street traders daily in different parts of the state.

The Agency says the activities of street traders was giving the government serious concern, stressing that a special taskforce would be set up to enforce strict compliance with environmental laws.

It states that the taskforce would ensure traders do not display their wares on the setbacks, roadsides and perimeter fencing, particularly on Lagos Island.

Its Corp Marshal, retired Major Olaniyi Cole, disclosed this during the Lagos Central Senatorial District Stakeholders and Engagement Meeting organised by the agency at its Multi Agency Safety Arena Complex in Bolade, Oshodi.

Cole said Street trading remains banned in the state and anyone caught will face the wrath of the law, warning traders and the public to stop corrupting his men, so as to break environmental laws such as trading at wrong places.

He also warned his men against corruption, which would prevent them from carrying out their duties as expected.

According to him, LAGESC, is committed to exhausting all lawful options to ensure sanity in the environment, hence the reason for organising periodic stakeholder engagement meetings over the years across the Senatorial Divisions of the State to seek the buy-in and cooperation of all relevant stakeholders.

In his words; Environmental Sanitation retains great importance due to its indispensable role played in daily communal living and livelihood, adding that while the agency strive for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, it is requisite to highlight that the responsibility is not only in the hands of government agencies but also incumbent on everyone.

Resounding to highlight is the theme of this year’s Stakeholders engagement which is ‘Community Engagement: A Catalyst for Enhancing Environmental Compliance’ –because we have discovered that the voices of stakeholders must be heard, their thoughts must be echoed and there is need to agree on a common goal for the total eradication of environmental nuisances in Lagos.

When I assumed duty alongside other Deputy Corps Marshals on the 25th of January, 2024, our operatives have been able to carry out enforcement operations and conduct a clean-up of all pedestrian bridges in the State. Also important to note, we have also made numerous arrests and secured the prosecution of miscreants that converted pedestrian bridges to lay siege on unsuspecting pedestrians which discourage the use of the bridges for safety.

Also, we have upheld the enforcement on the ban on Styrofoam packs being used to package food by food vendors having been identified as a major constituent which blocks our drains when it rains. The bio-degradable nature and non-recyclable nature of Styrofoam means that it is unneeded and harmful to both humans and the environment.

In the same light, we have stepped up daily enforcement operations to reduce the spate of street trading to erring traders and hawkers in the habit of displaying wares for sale in traffic, lay-bys, setbacks, medians, road verges and kerbs. Street Trading and Hawking remain banned according to the State’s environmental laws and as the premier environmental enforcement Agency charged with such mandate, we remain committed.

As an enforcement Agency, we prosecuted over 5,000 offenders in the last six months which further reinforces our zeal to rid the State of environmental infractions while constantly monitoring Lagos environs on a daily via our operatives to make Lagos habitable for business.

To make Lagos habitable for business, we must imbibe a culture of positive environmental practices via proper waste disposal by patronising approved PSP operators, prompt payment of waste bills to avoid prosecution, recycling and regular environmental sanitation to reduce the spate of communicable diseases whilst discouraging pollution of the environment.

Our respective communities inspire environmental change via awareness campaigns, workshops, and community clean-up drives which have proven as capable measures to motivate Lagos residents to take pride in their environment and be active environmental crusaders.

Teaching our children about the importance of cleanliness, we can instil good hygiene practices from an early age thereby creating a future generation that values and appreciates environmental sanitation.

The importance of collaboration remains pivotal through partnerships with local authorities, non-profit organizations, and businesses to trigger a working relationship where we can pool our resources and expertise to tackle environmental challenges head-on. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Lagos for generations to come.

As we buy into the smart waste management initiatives of the State, it is essential for us residents to report unwholesome waste-related issues and perpetuators alike for the good of the environment.

In conclusion, we must be reminded that the success of environmental sanitation and management in Lagos relies on the active involvement of our communities. We all have a role to play and together, we can inspire change for Lagos via positive attitudes to the environment.