Lagos State Task Force Vows to Intensify Crackdown on Traffic and Environmental Offenders

The Lagos State Task Force has pledged to increase its efforts to combat traffic and environmental infractions across the state. Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele warned that violators will face swift arrest and prosecution, emphasizing the need for collaboration to address the rising incidents of urban disorderliness in Lagos.

During a stakeholders’ engagement session at the Safety Arena in Bolade, Oshodi, Akerele briefed market leaders, transport operators, and artisans on the agency’s renewed enforcement strategy. The meeting, themed “Promoting Safety and Serenity Through Traffic and Environmental Best Practices,” aimed to raise awareness about the importance of adhering to traffic and environmental regulations.

Akerele highlighted the human and economic losses caused by the persistent Okada menace, drug abuse, one-way driving, traffic violations, and related criminal behaviors. He stressed that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is determined to eliminate these threats to public safety. The establishment of the task force is a deliberate effort by the state government to reduce the losses linked to lawlessness and criminal activities.

The Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 and the Transport Sector Reform Law 2018 provide the legal framework for the task force’s operations. These laws enforce zero tolerance for Okada operations on highways, one-way driving, street trading, illegal structures, and other practices that undermine safety and urban order.

Akerele urged Lagos residents to support the ongoing enforcement operations by reporting violations and suspicious activities. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in making neighborhoods safer, encouraging residents to report wrongdoing, including illegal developments, blackspots, drug addicts, and miscreants. Reports can be made at the Agency Headquarters or via designated phone numbers.

The task force’s renewed enforcement strategy is a significant step towards addressing the urban disorderliness in Lagos. By collaborating with communities and stakeholders, the agency aims to create a safer and more orderly environment for residents. The success of this initiative will depend on the active participation of Lagos residents in reporting violations and supporting the task force’s efforts.