Juliana Francis
The Lagos State Government has concluded its state-wide stakeholder engagement series, bringing together transport unions, market leaders, and enforcement officials in Oshodi to boost environmental compliance and public safety across the megacity.
The meeting, held at the Lagos State Safety Arena, marked the grand finale of a five-division tour organised by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force).
The campaign previously made stops in Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry, and Lagos Central.
Speaking at the session, Task Force Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele emphasised that enforcement alone cannot guarantee a sustainable urban environment.
“Stakeholder engagement is a vital component in achieving the Lagos State Government’s vision of maintaining a safe, clean, healthy, and orderly environment for residents and businesses,” CSP Akerele said. “Environmental safety cannot be achieved through enforcement alone. Collective responsibility and active stakeholder participation are essential.”
Akerele praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its sustained backing of environmental urban renewal under the THEMES Plus Agenda, while noting that the unit is actively working with other agencies to tackle open defecation and illegal waste disposal.
He also issued a direct warning regarding the illegal conversion of pedestrian spaces.
“We have received reports alleging that some transport union officials allocate pedestrian walkways and other public spaces to petty traders,” Akerele stated. “Such practices are contrary to policy on public safety and urban orderliness. Walkways, road setbacks, and public spaces must remain free from encroachment.”
Addressing sector-specific security concerns, Akerele directed Comrade Adewale Adedotun, the Lagos State Chairman of Scrap Dealers and Employers Operators, to enforce strict registration across his membership.
“All members of the association must be properly registered and possess verifiable means of identification,” the Chairman added. “Proper identification will strengthen accountability, enhance security, and assist law enforcement in distinguishing legitimate operators from criminal elements.”
Stakeholders at the event offered both commitments and feedback. The Chairman of Mile 12 International Market assured officials that traders remain proactive on sanitation, pledging continued support for cleanliness drives.
Meanwhile, representatives of the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) called on the government to deploy mobile toilets across mechanic villages to curb open defecation.
The session brought together key figures, including Corps Marshal Olaniyi Cole (Retd) of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Corps (KAI), Barrister Adekunle of the Lagos State Mobile Court, and representatives from the NURTW, RTEAN, the Iyaloja General’s Office, and various trade associations.
