The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) has warned transport unions and other stakeholders against allocating pedestrian walkways and public spaces to their members.
The chairman of the task force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, gave the warning in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, on Thursday in Lagos.
He said that the task force met with transport unions, market leaders, traders and other stakeholders in Ikeja Division.
The engagement which had its theme as “Promoting Public Safety and Environmental Best Practices in Lagos State,” was held at the Lagos State Safety Arena, Oshodi, on Wednesday.
Akerele said the engagement was part of the task force’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to ensure public safety, environmental compliance and adherence to extant laws.
He said the task force would continue to enforce laws against obstruction of pedestrian walkways, road setbacks and other public spaces.
The chairman expressed concern over reports that some union officials allocated pedestrian walkways and other public spaces to petty traders, thereby obstructing free movement and creating environmental nuisances.
He urged stakeholders to support government’s efforts in ensuring that public spaces remained accessible and free from encroachment.
Akerele also said the task force was collaborating with relevant state agencies to address other environmental challenges, including waste management and open defecation.
“Enforcement alone can not achieve a clean and safe environment, sustained public safety and environmental sanitation requires collective responsibility,” he said.
The chairman charged scrap dealers to ensure that all members of their association were properly registered and possessed verifiable means of identification.
He said proper identification of scrap dealers would enhance accountability, strengthen security and assist law enforcement agencies in distinguishing legitimate operators from criminal elements.
According to Akerele, this initiative reflects the task force’s commitment to work with stakeholders to preserve public spaces, protect infrastructure and promote a cleaner and safer Lagos.