Govt to Tejuosho shop owners: take ownership or forfeit rights

Lagos State Government has urged shop owners at Tejuoso market to occupy their allotted shops or risk forfeiture to State government.

According to the State Government, the unlawful act of trading on road medians and walkways at the market is responsible for traffic gridlock and accidents as well as abuse of children under school age.

Speaking during sensitisation tour on streets trading, low occupancy of shops and Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) held at Tejuosho market, in Surulere Local Government, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami said government will not condone traders’ disobedience to the law banning Street trading in the State.

He noted that street trading does not align with the vision and mission of the government for transiting from a Mega City to a Smart City, stressing that the norm should be reversed in order to pave way for more even developmental strides by the government.

“We will not tolerate street trading; our roads and streets are not meant for trading. Any of the traders selling on the major road neglecting the modern-day markets built by government is violating the State Government laws, such traders are at risk” he said.

“It is erroneous believe that selling on the streets is the best way to get patronage. We should be aware of the dangers associated with this practice especially to our sons and daughters; it is not safe for them, they can be abused,” Folami said.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on CLI, Adebola Shabi said traders are responsible for 45 per cent of waste in the state.

He urged traders to support Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s stance of delivering social amenities to its residents as well as support the CLI so as to have a healthier and cleaner environment.