Street trading: Taskforce demolishes illegal shop extensions on Lagos Island, other areas

The Lagos State Environmental Taskforce has carried out another enforcement operation on Lagos Island, demolishing illegal shop extension structures along Breadfruit Street and surrounding areas.

The exercise, aimed at curbing street trading and other environmental violations, targeted the display of goods on roadways and walkways, unauthorized road blockages, and illegal shop extensions erected in violation of the state’s master plan.

Led by the taskforce chairman, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, the operation covered Marina, Davies Street, Breadfruit Street and adjoining roads. Officials removed traders who had encroached on highways, walkways and the Lagos Marina Expressway, creating obstructions and environmental nuisance.

Speaking during the operation, Akerele expressed concern over the persistent disregard for environmental and traffic regulations by some traders. He described it as troubling that street trading activities had blocked the entrance to St Paul Primary School, causing hardship for pupils and school authorities.

During the exercise, all goods displayed illegally along Davies and Breadfruit streets were confiscated, while order and cleanliness were restored to the affected areas. Davies Street, once a vibrant social hub on the island, has deteriorated due to unregulated street trading and the erection of illegal stalls on roads and walkways, the taskforce noted.

In a related development, the taskforce also cleared street traders and unauthorized structures from the Iyana-Ipaja Underbridge, restoring the entire stretch for public use.

Normal traffic flow has since resumed, improving movement for motorists, commuters and pedestrians. Akerele said all confiscated items would be forfeited to the Lagos State Government in line with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

He warned traders against conducting activities on highways and road corridors that obstruct traffic and increase travel time, urging street traders and illegal occupants of public roads to desist or face enforcement action.