Lagos State Government Dislodges Illegal Street Traders in Victoria Island
The Lagos State Government has carried out a major enforcement operation to dislodge illegal street traders operating along Bishop Oluwole Street in Victoria Island, as part of its renewed campaign to restore order in the city’s commercial and residential corridors.
The enforcement, which took place on Monday, was executed by officials of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit under the directive of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
The operation targeted makeshift stalls, kiosks, and street displays that had obstructed pedestrian walkways and contributed to heavy vehicular congestion in the area.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the exercise underscored the government’s determination to enforce its zero-tolerance policy on street trading in high-value commercial zones.
He stressed that Victoria Island, being one of Lagos’s prime business districts, must be kept free from environmental abuse and lawlessness.
“Street trading is not only illegal but also poses serious risks to traffic flow, public safety, and the environment.
Our enforcement team successfully cleared Bishop Oluwole Street to restore sanity, ensure easy movement, and protect the integrity of this business hub. Traders have been advised to relocate to government-approved markets, where they can operate legally,” Wahab stated.
Eyewitnesses reported that the operation, which began early in the day, saw officials dismantle several trading spots while advising those affected to seek relocation opportunities.
The commissioner also warned that traders who return to prohibited areas risk stiffer sanctions, including the confiscation of goods and possible prosecution.
The move has generated mixed reactions among stakeholders. While many commuters and business operators in the district welcomed the clearance, citing improvements in traffic and pedestrian access, some traders expressed concern about the impact on their livelihoods.
They appealed to the state government to provide more affordable and accessible market spaces to accommodate displaced traders.
The Victoria Island clearance follows a series of similar operations conducted in other parts of the state, including Lagos Island, Ikeja, and Ojuelegba, as the Sanwo-Olu administration intensifies its urban renewal programme. Officials maintain that these actions are necessary to curb environmental hazards, reduce street clutter, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of Lagos.
Wahab further disclosed that the state will not rely solely on enforcement but will continue to engage market associations and community leaders through sensitisation campaigns.
The government, he added, intends to strengthen relocation programmes to ensure displaced traders are absorbed into properly designated markets.
“The long-term plan is to create a balance between law enforcement and economic opportunities. Street trading cannot continue in restricted areas, but we are committed to helping traders transition into safer and more organised business environments,” he said.
The Lagos State Government has assured residents that follow-up monitoring will continue across Victoria Island and other commercial centres to prevent a resurgence of street trading.
