By Daniel Edu
The government of Ogun State has issued a three-day ultimatum to traders who are occupying unauthorized areas in violation of the state’s Environmental Law. The traders are being instructed to vacate these locations within three days or face fines and the possibility of having their goods seized.
Rasak Ojetola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, released a statement in Abeokuta, emphasizing the need for this directive due to the potential dangers that traders face by occupying these unauthorized spots. Ojetola also pointed out that there are designated government-approved markets with enough space to accommodate these traders.
The statement indicated that some traders have blocked drainage channels with their activities, posing a risk to the environment and causing inconvenience to the public. Ojetola stressed that the government is committed to preventing such illegal occupation of roads, walkways, and other public spaces.
He mentioned, “The state government cannot fold its hands and watch this small section of traders illegally converting half of the motorable roads, walkways, and laybacks in different parts of the state to markets on the excuse of quick sales. Aside from exposing themselves to avoidable vehicular mishaps, their activities also constitute an environmental nuisance to the aesthetic beauty of the state through the shanties they construct and place on these spaces.”
This ultimatum underscores the government’s efforts to maintain proper urban planning and environmental standards within the state.
