Rainy Season: Lagos Govt Embarks On Market, Street Advocacy For Sustainable Environment

…Seeks Public Support

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

As the 2025 rainy season approaches, the Lagos State Government has launched a one-on-one sanitation advocacy campaign across selected areas, particularly markets and streets, to promote a sustainable environment.

The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, led officials on an inspection tour of various locations, including Oyingbo Market. He issued a 48-hour ultimatum to traders illegally occupying medians and walkways along newly constructed drainage channels, urging them to relocate or face removal.

During his engagement with traders, Wahab appealed to them to move into designated market stalls instead of displaying their goods on medians and roadsides, which pose safety risks and obstruct drainage channels.

“Oyingbo is home to the Red Line train interchange and other critical infrastructure. Unfortunately, road networks, water passages, and walkways have been turned into market spaces,” Wahab noted.

He emphasized that the advocacy campaign aims to prevent flooding during the 2025 rainy season, adding:

“Traders engaging in illegal activities were given 24-hour notices yesterday, which have now expired.

“I am here today to make a final appeal through one-on-one advocacy before enforcement begins.”

Wahab stressed that illegal trading has blocked newly constructed drainage systems. If voluntary compliance fails, strict enforcement measures will follow.

“If persuasion doesn’t work, enforcement will begin immediately after the close of work tomorrow.”

The team also inspected the Eko Hotels/Zenith Roundabout area, where drainage setbacks and roadsides have been converted into trading spaces. Wahab urged traders to relocate into proper markets, warning that illegal trading in open spaces would no longer be tolerated.

“We received multiple complaints that Zenith Roundabout and surrounding areas had become a major business hub. We are here to appeal to traders to stop these activities immediately.”

The commissioner and his team visited Idumota/Ebute Ero Police Post Overhead Bridge, where attachment stalls were removed to ensure enforcement compliance.

He warned traders against erecting structures under bridges, citing safety concerns and environmental hazards.

“Weeks ago, when the media accompanied us, we saw multiple illegal structures under the Idumota Bridge, which we had to immediately clear.

“Despite prior warnings, traders continued building attachments and selling under the bridge. We have now removed them all.”

Wahab acknowledged the need for traders to earn a living but emphasized the importance of balancing commerce with environmental sustainability.

The inspection team also visited Outer Marina (CFAO/Elegbata area), where efforts are underway to reopen a blocked drainage channel that previously led to severe flooding.

“The blockage, caused by past construction, has damaged the road and worsened flooding in this area. The state and federal governments are working together to implement a lasting solution.”

Wahab urged Lagos residents and business operators to support the government’s environmental initiatives.

“This advocacy is not just about enforcement; it’s about educating the public. Everyone must prepare for the rains and practice proper waste disposal.

“We must stop dumping waste into drainage systems and reduce the use of styrofoam food containers to help phase out single-use plastics.”

He assured Lagosians that the government will continue providing resilient infrastructure but emphasized that collective responsibility is key to maintaining a sustainable environment.

The sanitation campaign will extend to other major markets and streets across the state, including Yaba Market and Ojo Market.

“We have already appealed to traders in Oyingbo. Next, we are heading to Yaba, Ojo, and beyond.

“We will ramp up enforcement while continuing to engage with the people. The rainy season is fast approaching, and action must be taken now.”

Accompanying the commissioner were:

Engr. Mahamood Adegbite (Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services)

Engr. Adefemi Afolabi (General Manager, Lagos State Waste Management Authority – LASWMO)

Major Olatubosun Cole (Retd.) (KAI Corps Marshall)

Other senior directors from the Ministry of Environment and relevant agencies

Key Locations Visited

Oyingbo Market & Extension

Ebute Ero/Idumota Police Post Underbridge

Outer Marina (CFAO/Elegbata area)

Eko Hotels/Zenith Roundabout & Environs

With a proactive approach to advocacy and enforcement, the Lagos State Government remains committed to flood prevention and environmental sustainability ahead of the 2025 rainy season.

The post Rainy Season: Lagos Govt embarks on market, street advocacy for sustainable environment appeared first on Vanguard News.