6th June, 2023
By Fabian Ekeruche
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has demolished shanties and other unlawful buildings along the Lekki-Epe Motorway’s first and second toll gates.
Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), LAWMA, said in a statement that the demolition was carried out in a comprehensive enforcement exercise that lasted for hours.
Odumboni said that the corridor had lately become notorious for sustained traffic congestion and other environmental nuisances, largely aided by the illegal activities of those vendors.
He strongly denounced the traders’ actions, saying that anyone discovered attempting to reconstruct the buildings would be detained and prosecuted.
“We have declared zero tolerance on street trading along the Lekki-Epe Motorway as these activities have led to significant environmental nuisance and traffic congestion.
“It is our duty to ensure that our city remains clean and habitable for all residents and visitors. Hence, we urge all traders to vacate the motorway immediately and avoid any further environmental infractions,” Odumboni said.
Furthermore, he appealed to residents to take a new approach to how they treat the environment.
He emphasised the need of environmental stewardship, warning that those who continue to flout existing standards would face harsh penalties.
According to Odumboni, the crackdown on street dealing would be maintained in that axis and expanded to others throughout the metropolis, in accordance with LAWMA’s greater objective to improve Lagos’ general cleanliness and livability.
He further stated that arrested perpetrators would be prosecuted, and their names and images would be made public.
NAN