The Ogun government cracks down on street vendors and seizes their products.

The Ogun State Government has implemented measures to address the issue of vendors exhibiting their merchandise on pathways and roadsides in Abeokuta, the capital city of the State.

The government has established a task force that has issued a three-day ultimatum to street merchants in Ogun, demanding that they cease obstructing pathways and roadsides.

After the lapse of the three-day ultimatum, it was seen that the traders did not comply with the directive to remove pedestrian sidewalks, roadsides, under bridges, and other unapproved open spaces.

As a result, Engr Rasak Ojetola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, took charge of the Special Task Force on Saturday night to initiate the implementation of the law.

The task team included of officials from the Ministry, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), and the Ogun Amotekun Corps.

The enforcement activity was conducted by the officials in prominent markets, including Olomore, Kuto, and Lafenwa, among others.

According to Ojetola, the task force successfully eliminated various items such as tables, benches, damaged wheel rims, tires, and torn umbrellas that were utilized by the traders for the purpose of showcasing their merchandise. 

Subsequently, environmental marshals were deployed in the vacated areas to ensure compliance with the directive.

The individual issued a cautionary statement to street vendors, advising them against challenging the authority of the government by returning to designated areas for selling goods.

 It was emphasized that those who fail to comply with regulations pertaining to street dealing would be subject to punitive measures in accordance with the Environmental Law of 2004.

The individual provided information regarding the forthcoming expansion of the enforcement operation to encompass Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Sango Ota, Ifo, Agbara, and further locations. 

This expansion is in strict adherence to the stipulations outlined in the Environmental Law.

In addition, TRACE Commander Seni Ogunyemi noted that the elimination of chairs, tables, and other objects utilized by street vendors for the purpose of showcasing their merchandise on public roads will facilitate unobstructed traffic movement and mitigate the occurrence of road accidents.