The Lagos State Government has given a 48-hour quit notice to illegal traders and occupants under the Idumota and Ebute Ero Police overhead bridges, citing violations of environmental laws and degradation.
During an on-site inspection on Sunday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the move while also announcing the immediate reopening of the Oke Arin/Gorodom Market, following a mutual agreement with traders. The market had been sealed due to environmental issues and obstruction of drainage systems.
Wahab emphasized the need for traders to vacate the area within the 48-hour deadline or face serious consequences. He also inspected other areas in Idumota and warned of the environmental risks, such as disease outbreaks, due to the improper use of drainage spaces for stalls.
The Commissioner further urged market traders to adopt better sanitation practices, highlighting the risks of cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever from unsanitary conditions. He also reminded traders of the ban on styrofoam and urged compliance to protect both health and the environment.
Wahab cautioned developers and residents against blocking drainage systems with building materials, which leads to flooding and other disruptions. He also ordered the immediate sealing of a shopping complex under construction along Adeniji Adele Road for violating building regulations.
Alhaja Basirat Owolewa, representing the Iyaloja of Gorodom Market, thanked the government for clearing blocked drainage channels and pledged that traders would prioritize sanitation moving forward.