The Lagos State Taskforce has given street vendors and unauthorized occupants near the Alaba Rago section of the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway a 72-hour deadline to vacate the area. This directive precedes a cleanup operation intended to enforce environmental standards along the route.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, the taskforce chairman, explained that the initiative aims to uphold the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law. The area has faced significant criticism from commuters, local residents, and international travelers due to the accumulation of makeshift structures, illegal kiosks, and poor waste disposal practices.
Supervised by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the cleanup is part of a broader plan to improve the city’s appearance. Akerele noted that the state opted for a period of public awareness and dialogue before resorting to firm action.
While the state government encourages peaceful relocation, officials have warned that unauthorized structures and goods will be seized after the three-day window expires. Violators should also expect to face legal prosecution. This effort aligns with the government’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which focuses on enhancing public safety, security, and urban hygiene.
