LAWMA Dislodges Street Traders at TBS, Costain, National Theatre
…Agency intensifies enforcement to protect public spaces, ease movement
For pedestrians navigating Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Costain Under Bridge and the National Theatre axis, finding enough space to walk safely can become a daily challenge when road corridors and walkways are taken over by street traders.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has now moved to reclaim some of the affected public spaces, dislodging traders operating along road corridors and other unauthorised locations in the areas.
The exercise, carried out in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), forms part of LAWMA’s sustained enforcement efforts to improve environmental cleanliness, protect public spaces and ensure that roads and walkways remain accessible to residents.
LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, explained that the operation targeted trading activities obstructing pedestrian and vehicular movement and contributing to environmental nuisance along the affected corridors.
For commuters and motorists, such obstructions can mean navigating around traders and goods displayed close to busy roads, while pedestrians are often forced to share limited road space with vehicles when walkways become occupied.
Gbadegesin warned traders against occupying road corridors, walkways and other unauthorised locations, urging them to conduct their businesses only in designated and approved trading areas.
He stressed that keeping public spaces orderly requires continuous compliance, noting that LAWMA would continue working with relevant government agencies to address activities that undermine environmental standards and public order.
The LAWMA boss also appealed to residents and other stakeholders to support the enforcement efforts by complying with established regulations and avoiding activities that obstruct public spaces or contribute to environmental degradation.
He added that the agency would sustain monitoring of the affected areas to prevent the return of illegal trading activities and maintain compliance.
The latest enforcement comes amid broader efforts by Lagos authorities to keep major roads, walkways and public spaces free from activities that could impede movement or worsen environmental conditions across the metropolis.Suggested photo: LAWMA/KAI officials during the enforcement operation, showing traders being cleared from a busy pedestrian or road corridor.
By Innocent Onoh
