The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, popularly known as the Task Force, has called for stronger cooperation among transport unions, market leaders, traders and other stakeholders to improve public safety, environmental sanitation and urban orderliness across the state.
The Chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement organised for the Ikeja Division at the Lagos State Safety Arena, Oshodi.
The meeting, themed “Promoting Public Safety and Environmental Best Practices in Lagos State,” was part of a state-wide engagement programme aimed at improving collaboration between government enforcement agencies and groups whose activities have direct implications for the environment and public order.
The programme had earlier been held in Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry and Lagos Central divisions, with the Ikeja edition serving as the grand finale.
Stakeholders at the meeting included representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Office of the Iyaloja General, National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), automobile associations, butchers’ associations, Mile 12 International Market, Ram Sellers Association and scrap dealers.
Akerele said sustainable environmental management required more than enforcement, stressing the need for stakeholders and residents to take collective responsibility for keeping public spaces clean, safe and accessible.
He said the Task Force would continue to enforce relevant laws while also using public enlightenment and stakeholder engagement to address issues affecting environmental sanitation and urban safety.
The chairman expressed particular concern over alleged encroachment on pedestrian walkways and other public spaces, including reports that some transport union officials allocate such spaces to petty traders.
According to him, the practice obstructs pedestrian movement and undermines efforts to maintain order across the metropolis.
He said the agency would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to prevent the illegal occupation of walkways, road setbacks and other public spaces.
Akerele further disclosed that the Task Force was working with other state agencies to address environmental challenges, including poor waste management and open defecation in some parts of Lagos.
He urged stakeholders to support government efforts by ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and encouraging responsible practices within their respective sectors.
At the meeting, the chairman of Mile 12 International Market said traders in the market had continued to prioritise sanitation and waste management. He pledged that the market leadership would sustain its cooperation with the government.
Representatives of NATA also appealed to the state government to provide mobile toilet facilities in mechanic villages, saying the facilities would improve sanitation and support the campaign against open defecation.
Speaking on the scrap industry, Akerele directed the state chairman of Scrap Dealers and Employers Operators, Comrade Adewale Adedotun, to ensure that members of the association were duly registered and possessed verifiable means of identification.
He said the measure would promote accountability in the sector and assist security agencies in identifying legitimate operators.
The Lagos State chairman of NURTW, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, was represented at the meeting by the State Confidential Secretary, Comrade Omowunmi Aliyu.
Also present were Corps Marshal Olaniyi Cole (rtd.) of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Corps (KAI), Barrister Adekunle, Coordinator of the Lagos State Mobile Court, and other stakeholders.
The participants commended the Task Force for the initiative and pledged to continue working with the agency to promote environmental compliance, public safety and orderly development across Lagos.
Akerele assured residents that the Task Force would sustain its stakeholder engagements and enforcement activities as part of efforts to protect public spaces, improve environmental standards and enhance safety across the state.
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