The governments of Ogun and Lagos states have agreed to get rid of illegal shanties and structures along the Badagry-Agbara expressway.
The Ministry of Environment in Ogun and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) have set the machinery in motion.
A statement signed on Thursday by the Ministry’s Press Officer, Joke Akinnuga, said the action became necessary to free the busy road of incessant gridlock.
The spokesperson said a team of Health Officials and Marshals led by Senior Special Assistant to Ogun Governor on Environment, Farouk Akintunde, carried out an assessment.
Akinnuga noted that the states were determined to avoid loss of lives and property and implored traders to obey directives and abatement notices served.
Akintunde cautioned against further trading activities on the Badagry-Agbara corridor, particularly under power lines.
“We should realise that this axis is an international route and a major highway that connects Nigeria to the Republic of Benin.
“You should desist from unwholesome acts that negate environmental laws”, the SSA warned the people.
Ganiyu Salami, Deputy Commandant, LAGESC/KAI Intelligence and Supervision, said the teams were concerned about various environmental infractions.
Salami pointed out that the illegal shanties and structures had become hiding spots for miscreants and robbers.
“Traders have turned Agbara roundabout, which used to be a garden, into a marketplace. The display of wares along the roadside has led to the traffic gridlock”, he said.
The official sought the understanding of stakeholders in the area and assured that Lagos and Ogun would sustain enforcement.
