Lagos Taskforce ends campaign against traffic,

•Warns traders, motorists against obstructing roads, walkways

By Olakunle Olafioye

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) has concluded its statewide sensitisation campaign on traffic and environmental violations, warning motorists and traders against activities that obstruct roads, pedestrian walkways and other public spaces.

The campaign, themed “Towards Achieving Traffic and Environmental Orderliness and Public Safety in Lagos State: The Dos and Don’ts,” ended on Thursday with a grand finale across major traffic corridors and commercial centres, including Oshodi, Ikeja, Iyana Ipaja, Iba, Ojo, Kosofe and Lagos Island.

The exercise, which covered local government areas (LGAs) and local council development areas (LCDAs) across the state, according to AbdulRaheem Gbadeyan, Director, Public Affairs of the taskforce, was aimed at promoting voluntary compliance with traffic and environmental regulations through public education and stakeholder engagement.

Leading the exercise along the Oshodi axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, the Task Force Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, engaged motorists, commercial drivers, street traders and other road users in a “Warning Before Enforcement” campaign.

Akerele said the initiative was designed to educate residents about existing laws and give them the opportunity to correct violations before enforcement measures were introduced.

He explained that taking the campaign to major roads, commercial centres and densely populated communities would help reach residents in areas where traffic congestion and environmental infractions were prevalent.

The chairman stressed that achieving sustainable traffic management and environmental cleanliness required more than enforcement, noting that cooperation among transport unions, traders, market associations, community leaders and residents was essential.

He warned against the unauthorised use of public roads and pedestrian walkways for trading and other activities capable of obstructing movement, causing traffic congestion and endangering public safety.

Commercial drivers were urged to observe traffic regulations, while traders were advised to operate only in approved locations and avoid encroaching on roads and walkways.

Akerele, however, cautioned that the warning-first approach should not be mistaken for a relaxation of the law, adding that persistent violations would attract appropriate enforcement measures.

According to the agency, the sensitisation campaign forms part of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to strengthen public awareness, encourage responsible citizenship and promote collaboration between the government and residents.

The Task Force said the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s commitment to improving public safety, environmental sustainability and traffic management across the state.

It urged residents to comply with the regulations highlighted during the campaign, reiterating that maintaining a clean, safe and orderly Lagos required collective responsibility.

The agency also pledged to sustain public enlightenment, stakeholder engagement and enforcement operations to address traffic and environmental violations across the state.