As the festive Yuletide season draws near, the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences has issued a stern warning to transport and market unions, urging strict compliance with environmental laws to prevent disruptions that could affect traffic and public safety. The Taskforce emphasized that any activities causing environmental nuisances—whether before, during, or after the holiday period—will not be tolerated, and offenders will face firm sanctions.
CSP Tayo Akerele, Chairman of the Taskforce, delivered the warning during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting at Safety Arena, Oshodi, themed: “Promoting Safety and Serenity through Traffic and Environmental Best Practices.” He highlighted the agency’s zero-tolerance stance, stressing that enforcement measures would apply to all without exception: “There will be no sacred cow,” Akerele stated.
The warning aligns with the Lagos State Traffic and Environmental Reform Laws, enacted in 2017 and 2018, which address long-standing urban challenges such as illegal commercial motorcycle operations (Okada) on highways, traffic violations, unauthorized developments, environmental degradation, and non-conforming structures. The laws are designed to enhance the efficiency of the state’s transport system while promoting a habitable and sustainable urban environment.
Established under Chapter E6, Section 4(1) of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Law of 1991, the Taskforce is mandated to enforce both the Environmental Law and the Transport Sector Reform Law. CSP Akerele reminded stakeholders of the importance of collective adherence, noting that Lagos, home to approximately 25 million people, faces rapid urbanization, environmental pressure, housing congestion, and other urban challenges that demand proactive collaboration from all residents.
The Taskforce’s functions extend beyond traffic management to include tackling poor sanitation, slum settlements, street trading, illegal roadside mechanics, unauthorized ticketing, and unlicensed medical practices. These measures aim to reduce human and material losses associated with lawlessness, while fostering a safer and more organized city.
CSP Akerele also highlighted the significant losses Lagos has suffered due to traffic violations, illegal Okada operations, drug abuse, cultism, and other criminal activities. He called on residents to partner with the government by reporting violations, offering multiple channels for public reporting, including the Taskforce headquarters and the phone numbers 09137555111 and 09138555111.
Representatives of market and transport unions, including Okada operators and mechanics, expressed their commitment to supporting the Taskforce’s objectives. They urged that enforcement activities be carried out fairly and with a human touch, emphasizing that cooperation between authorities and stakeholders is key to ensuring a smooth and safe festive season in Lagos.