On January 23, 2025, the Lagos State Government issued a 48-hour ultimatum to traders operating under the Apongbon Bridge and along drainage setbacks on Lagos Island, demanding their immediate relocation. This directive is part of the state’s broader urban regeneration initiative to improve infrastructure and address environmental challenges exacerbated by illegal trading activities.
Reasons for the Ultimatum
The ultimatum was announced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata Drainage Channel. Wahab emphasised that the illegal conversion of spaces under the bridge into markets, particularly for livestock, poses significant risks to public safety and infrastructure. He stated, “People have fully built on setback and drainage channels, and when you build structures on these infrastructures, how do you expect them to be maintained?”
The government highlighted that such activities contribute to flooding and threaten lives and property in the area. The ultimatum serves as a warning that if compliance is not achieved, enforcement actions will follow, including penalties for violators.
Similar Actions in Other States
Lagos is not alone in its efforts to regulate informal trading practices. Recently, several other states in Nigeria have taken similar measures to address illegal trading and encroachments:
- Ogun State: The Ogun State Government has conducted multiple demolitions of illegal structures along major roads and highways, aiming to restore order and improve traffic flow.
- Abuja (Federal Capital Territory): Authorities in Abuja have also issued eviction notices to traders operating without permits in various locations, particularly around public parks and roadways.
- Rivers State: The Rivers State Government has undertaken operations to clear unauthorised markets from roadways and public spaces as part of its urban renewal efforts.
These actions reflect a growing trend among Nigerian states to enforce urban planning regulations and maintain public order in rapidly urbanising environments.
Community Response
The response from traders has been mixed. While some acknowledge the need for regulation to prevent flooding and ensure safety, others express concern about the lack of alternative spaces for their businesses. The Lagos State Government has indicated that designated market areas will be provided to accommodate displaced traders.
Local advocacy groups have raised alarms about the potential socio-economic impacts of such evictions, urging the government to engage with affected communities and provide adequate support during the transition.
The Lagos State Government’s ultimatum to traders under Apongbon Bridge underscores a critical effort to balance urban development with public safety. As similar actions unfold in other states across Nigeria, it highlights a nationwide push towards enforcing regulations that govern informal markets. The challenge remains for governments to implement these policies while considering the livelihoods of those affected by such decisions. As Lagos moves forward with its urban regeneration initiatives, collaboration with local communities will be essential in fostering sustainable solutions that benefit all stakeholders involved.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
