The Lagos State Government has prosecuted more than 100 individuals over the past year for illegally occupying road medians and violating environmental regulations, as part of efforts to protect public infrastructure and improve environmental sanitation.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during an inspection of the ongoing clearance of illegal traders and squatters from the Okokomaiko–Orile road median.
According to the commissioner, the exercise is aimed at permanently clearing the corridor, which has been designated for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project, in line with the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Wahab said repeated engagements with traders occupying the road median had failed to achieve lasting compliance, making enforcement necessary.
He stressed that the highway, constructed with public funds, was intentionally designed with a wide median to accommodate the future rail project and should not be obstructed by illegal structures or commercial activities.
The commissioner assured residents that government agencies would continue to monitor the corridor to prevent displaced traders and squatters from returning, noting that the reserved alignment must be protected for the rail project.
On environmental sanitation, Wahab urged residents to dispose of waste through their designated Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators rather than dumping refuse on roads and other public spaces.
He advised residents to report any service delivery failures by PSP operators to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), adding that indiscriminate waste disposal has no justification.
The commissioner also called on traders and market leaders to maintain clean markets, describing environmental sanitation as a shared responsibility.
Wahab revealed that more than 100 offenders had been prosecuted within the last year for encroaching on road medians and breaching environmental laws.
He added that the state's environmental regulations prescribe sanctions for activities that undermine public infrastructure and environmental sustainability, stressing that enforcement would continue without fear or favour.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical infrastructure, preserving the alignment for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project, and strengthening environmental sanitation across the state.
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