In a stern move aimed at reclaiming public spaces, the Lagos State Government has issued a four-day ultimatum to illegal occupants of key locations, including Obalende Bridge, Apongbon Bridge, Ijora Bridge, and the National Stadium, as well as illegal motor parks.
The joint statement from the Commissioner for Transportation, Seun Osiyemi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi, warns of imminent enforcement starting in the early hours of Friday. Those under the Obalende bridge, including shanties, dwellers, traders, squatters, and abandoned vehicles, are instructed to vacate by Thursday afternoon.
Specifically targeting commercial vehicle operators in Obalende, the statement emphasizes the relocation to designated parks to restore the aesthetics of the area, signaling an end to defacement tolerated by the government.
“We also inspected the ongoing clean-up of Apongbon Under-Bridge, Ebute Ero, and other areas to monitor compliance with Mr. Governor’s directive,” the statement reveals. It further outlines the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency’s upcoming role in beautifying Obalende, Apongbon, and Ebute Ero under bridges after the eviction deadline.
Additionally, the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps has been directed to arrest and prosecute individuals crossing highways, reinforcing the prohibition stipulated in the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Protection Law 2017.