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LAGOS, Nigeria- Concerns have arisen regarding the resurgence of shanties near Oshodi bus terminal, despite the Lagos State government's assurances to remove illegal structures and enhance safety and environmental standards.
Rocketparrot News learnt that the creation of shanties began in 2024 when a barber set up a temporary tent. Noticing a lack of resistance from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, others followed suit, leading to the formation of additional shops and residences. Many residents reportedly cook, eat, and live in the vicinity.
Recently, some inhabitants of the shanties reportedly hosted parties after market hours, defecating in gutters despite the ministry's initiatives against open defecation.
Furthermore, traders, predominantly women, have occupied the roads in the area, posing difficulties for motorists. The women, who have ignored multiple warnings to vacate the roads, are said to confront anyone attempting to remove them or their goods.
The situation has worsened due to textile merchants who unload their merchandise on the road, hindering vehicle movement. The traders also indiscriminately discard waste, clogging drainage systems and exacerbating environmental issues.
When reached for comment, the Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd.), visited the site and promptly ordered the dismantling of the unauthorized structures.
“This is the first time I am witnessing this, and I have instructed officials to clear everything away to prevent further encroachment,” he stated. “This is intolerable, and I will take action against the officials responsible for this sector. They won’t be returning to this area; you have my word on that.
Cole further mentioned that measures against street trading and roadside sales have been ongoing but admitted to facing opposition, especially from female traders. “We will persist in enforcing the law by expelling them,” he added.
In the meantime, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) has assigned personnel to oversee the Mushin-Agege Motor Road pedestrian bridge following reports of extortion by individuals. On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, it was reported that these individuals were demanding tolls from pedestrians wanting to use the bridge.
The Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Task Force, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, clarified that no one is permitted to collect tolls on pedestrian bridges.
He indicated that enforcement agencies have been alerted to tackle the issue and ensure pedestrian safety.
“We encourage the public to disregard such false information and report illegal activities through the appropriate government channels,” he added.
