Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner for environment and water resources, stated in a post on his X handle on Friday that the state government has also banned the construction of structures on drainage setbacks.

According to Wahab, the ban was implemented as part of a renewed effort to promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment and to stop the unscrupulous activities of hawkers who pose as drivers to defraud them and obstruct traffic.

According to the commissioner, officers of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI, have been directed to enforce compliance with the ban.

The post reads: “As part of the renewed effort to ensure a cleaner, safer and healthier environment, Lagos state government, through the ministry of environment, has announced the total ban of street trading, hawking, building illegal structures on drainage systems, and displaying of wares on walkways across the state.

“I have also directed the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (popularly known as KAI) to strictly enforce compliance to the environmental sanitation laws.

“This is meant to curtail the nefarious activities of hawkers who disguise themselves to rob motorists and street traders who disrupt the free flow of traffic on highways and streets.

“The government is hereby declaring a zero-tolerance to street trading, hawking, and other illegal activities in line with Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s T.H.E.M.E Plus Agenda.”

The Ladipo market and other markets in Mushin were previously ordered to close immediately by the Lagos government due to careless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and unpaid waste bills.

Recall how the Lagos government likewise announced a ban on street trading and hawking in 2016.