Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, (Taskforce), has issued stern warnings to transport, market unions and other stakeholders to desist from all forms of environmental nuisances that could impede seamless traffic movement before, during and after the Yuletide period or face severe sanctions.
Chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Tayo Akerele, read the riot act while declaring the zero tolerance on environmental nuisances at a stakeholders engagement meeting, held at Lagos State Taskforce, Safety Arena, Headquarters, Bolade, Oshodi area of the state.
The meeting was themed: “Promoting Safety and Serenity through Traffic and Environmental Best Practices “
Akerele implored the stakeholders to ensure maximum compliance with the state environmental laws, viewed that one would be spared in the total enforcement, ” there will be no sacred cow.”
The Lagos State Traffic and Environmental Reform Laws, promulgated in 2017 and 2018 respectively, aim to achieve zero tolerance for the menace of commercial motorcyclists, Okada on highways, driving against traffic, obstruction, environmental nuisances, illegal developments, and non-conforming structures such as shanties, among others.
The laws were designed to ensure a more efficient transport system and a habitable, serene environment that supports sustainable development.
Instructively, the agency was established in 1991 under Chapter E6, Section 4(1) of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Law. It is empowered to enforce the provisions of the 2017 Environmental Law and the 2018 Transport Sector Reform Law.
Addressing the stakeholders, Taskforce boss stated, “It is with great pleasure that I join you at this meeting aimed at enlightening and engaging our teeming stakeholders on the activities of the Lagos State Taskforce, particularly on issues relating to traffic violations, the menace of Okada, and environmental degradation, as they align with the Agency’s strategies, policies, plans, and programmes.
“The choice of today’s theme is both timely and appropriate.
“This is due to the increasing spate of traffic violations and environmental challenges currently being experienced across the State, especially as the Yuletide period approaches.
“It is therefore essential that residents and stakeholders fully understand the Lagos State Traffic and Environmental Reform Laws as enshrined in the 2017 Environmental Reform Law and the 2018 Transport Sector Reform Law, to ensure better compliance.
“Lagos, as a mega city with a population of about 25 million people, faces the enormous challenges of rapid urbanization, insecurity, poverty, environmental degradation, housing congestion, and unemployment, among others.
“Addressing these challenges demands collective effort, strategic planning, and adherence to transport and environmental standards to make the city serene, inclusive, environmentally friendly, economically vibrant, and safe for all.”
Akerele, while highlighting the functions of the agency, stressed that it was established by law to enforce both traffic and environmental laws, as well as any other directives given by the Governor.
“Its functions include: Addressing poor sanitary conditions, indiscriminate slum settlements, and shanties in the State. Arresting street traders.
“Arresting and prosecuting violators of road traffic laws. Arresting and prosecuting roadside mechanics operating illegally. Arresting and prosecuting touts and individuals who illegally issue tickets to motorists on public roads. Arresting and prosecuting quacks in the medical profession, among others.
“The creation of a dedicated agency to manage these responsibilities is a bold and strategic move by the State Government to reduce the human and material losses associated with criminality and lawlessness.”
Akerele lamented that Lagos as a State have lost so much to traffic violations, the menace of Okada on highways, drug abuse, miscreants, one-way driving, and other criminal activities.
He maintained that as a committed and responsive administration, led by visionary Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the agency will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to put an end to environmental nuisances.
Akerele further stated, “This is why we must all partner with the government, because no one knows where the next incident may occur or who the next victim may be.
“I therefore, implore everyone here to support the government in making our communities safer. The expectations are simple: Speak Out. Report wrongdoing. Report illegalities. Report your neighbours, friends or even family members when necessary.
“We urge all stakeholders and community leaders to report cases of illegal developments, blackspots, drug addicts, street urchins, cultists, quacks, illegal ticket issuers, and miscreants within your areas, either by visiting the Agency Headquarters or by calling these numbers: The phone numbers are 09137555111&09138555111.
“As an enforcement Agency, we are more committed than ever to sustaining the tempo of Best Practices as captured in the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the State Government.
“We all desire a better Lagos, a city where almost everything works. This is achievable when government and its people work hand-in-hand.
“This is why we continue to embark on enlightenment, education, and public engagement, especially with stakeholders in the environmental and transport sectors.
“Our workload will be significantly reduced if Lagosians imbibe the culture of obeying State laws. This is where you come in as our partners. We encourage you to obey the laws and do the right things for a greater Lagos.
“We are aware that the tasks ahead are enormous, but we assure you that it will no longer be business as usual.
“We will go the extra mile to ensure compliance with all laws, regulations, and codes governing both traffic and environmental activities in Lagos State.”
Representatives of the stakeholders which include: Market, transport unions, including Okoda, mechanics, among others, expressed readiness to support the agency by complying with the environmental laws while the agency should apply human face to the enforcement operations.
