LASG dislodges illegal traders, shanties in FESTAC town
By Sodiq Adelakun
In a move to restore order and enhance environmental standards, the Lagos State Government has dislodged illegal roadside traders and removed shanties obstructing drainage systems in FESTAC Town.
The operation, executed by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in collaboration with the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), was carried out on Monday at the strategically significant 21 Road and 211 Junction.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, took to social media to announce the enforcement action.
“As part of the ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in the state, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, through the operatives of @LAGESCOfficial, earlier today conducted an enforcement operation at 21 Road, 211 Junction, FESTAC Town, dislodging illegal roadside traders and removing shanties built on the drainage and roadside, thereby causing environmental nuisance on the road,” Wahab stated.
The operation, which drew the attention of local residents, saw LAGESC officials actively dismantling the makeshift stalls and clearing the area to alleviate environmental hazards. The action aligns with the state’s broader commitment to ensuring public spaces remain unobstructed and safe.
In addition to this operation in FESTAC Town, the Lagos State Government has ramped up efforts to clear illegal structures across multiple locations in the state. Areas such as Ikoyi, Surulere, and Lekki have also seen similar initiatives aimed at enhancing the aesthetics and safety of public spaces. Recent clearance operations beneath the Osborne Bridge in Ikoyi, as well as along the Fagba corridor of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line, are part of these ongoing efforts.
“Clearing these obstructions ensures ongoing development is not disrupted and aligns with the government’s plans to modernize the state’s transport system,” Wahab added, emphasising the urgency behind these measures.
The government remains adamant that such enforcement actions will continue as part of its strategy for urban renewal, urging residents to comply with regulations and avoid unauthorized constructions.
“Community cooperation is vital for achieving a cleaner and safer Lagos,” Wahab added, reinforcing the cooperative spirit necessary for meaningful urban development.
