Gridlock: Lagos dislodges traders, arrests 10 motorists

The Lagos State Government on Thursday dislodged traders transacting businesses on road setbacks, walkways and arrested 10 motorists in Oyingbo area of Lagos for obstructing the flow of traffic.

Officials of the State’s Ministry of Transportation, led by the Commissioner, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, stormed Oyingbo to enforce compliance of the ultimatum issued traders and motorists causing gridlock in the area to abate the nuisance.

Several traders transacting businesses on road setbacks, and walkways were sent packing while some motorists obstructing traffic were arrested.

According to Oladeinde, all impediments impeding traffic in Oyingbo and other areas such as Yaba, Iddo, Ketu, Ajah, Iyana Ipaja and others must be removed, stressing that traders selling on the road must vacate such areas.

He said with the executive order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on 10 May, 2019, the state had declared zero tolerance on any impediment obstructing flow of traffic in Lagos.

“We have served the people in Oyingbo and other areas abatement notices and it has expired. We are coming for full enforcement of the law. It is not good for people of 21st century to be disobeying traffic law. We have made arrest and we will make more arrest,” he said.

Oyingbo traders hurriedly packing their wares

Oladeinde lamented that several traders in Oyingbo had refused to go into the market to carry out their businesses despite enough space to occupy them, saying that government had decided to ensure that the law was fully enforced.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Oluwatoyin Fayinka vowed that government would arrest motorists caught picking passengers on the road, thus, impeding flow of traffic, adding that traders selling on walkways and road setbacks would not be tolerated.

“We have shops in the market and if you don’t have money, go to micro-finance bank to get a loan,” he advised.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa said the government had issued abatement notices to traders and others in the area, noting that there had been a level of compliance, but that government wanted full compliance.

“We made some arrest and we are coming for full enforcement and compliance. We are serious about the enforcement on this axis and other areas such as Iddo, Yaba, Ajah, Ketu, Alapere and other areas,” he said.