IBADAN/Nigeria: The Oyo State Government has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on street traders as part of its rigorous enforcement of a complete ban on street trading within the state.
The decision comes after the state Government conducted a series of awareness campaigns at various markets in Ibadan, emphasizing the urgency of eradicating illegal trading.
In a statement issued by Mr. Rotimi Babalola, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, on Wednesday in Ibadan, the government underscored its commitment to eliminating street trading on major highways and streets in the metropolis.
Mrs. Modupe Adeleye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, emphasized that street trading is now strictly prohibited in Oyo State and is punishable under the state’s environmental laws.
She emphasized the priority placed by Engr. Seyi Makinde’s administration on ensuring the safety of lives and properties.
She stated, “It is no longer news to anyone that the Oyo State Government will no longer tolerate street trading in the State, and the ministry will be enforcing the law in full force, henceforth.”
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary, revealed that the ongoing rigorous enforcement exercise, which has already commenced in Ibadan, is the implementation of a long-standing law, the Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law, which outlines specific penalties for both buyers and sellers of goods or services on the streets.
Mrs. Adeleye appealed to residents to dispose of refuse properly, as the Oyo State Government will not tolerate illegal refuse dumping. She urged market leaders in the state to ensure strict adherence to environmental laws and encouraged them to collaborate with Mottainai Recycling Ltd., an approved Waste Management consultant appointed by the government.
Recalling the previous aggressive sensitization and awareness campaigns carried out by the ministry, Mrs. Adeleye highlighted the participation of all stakeholders, including the Babaloja General of Oyo State and other market leaders. Notable markets visited during this initiative by the Permanent Secretary and ministry officials include Beere Market, Oja-Oba, Idi-Arere, Oranyan, Molete, Eleyele, and Bodija International Market, among others.
