Governor Seyi Makinde‘s administration in Oyo State has taken decisive steps towards completely eradicating street trading in the region, News About Nigeria reports.
The Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, made this announcement in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Governor Makinde has instructed authorities to crack down on street traders, emphasizing that engaging in street trading is an offense punishable by law.
This action was prompted by the state government’s recent campaign to raise awareness about the importance of eliminating illegal trading in Oyo State.
Mrs. Modupe Adeleye, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, stated that this initiative is part of the state government’s commitment to eradicating street trading on highways and major streets in the city.
According to the environmental laws of Oyo State, street trading is now officially prohibited and regarded as a punishable offense.
The government led by Seyi Makinde places great importance on ensuring the safety of lives and property.
“It is not a secret to anyone that the Oyo State Government will no longer tolerate street trading in the state, and the ministry will vigorously enforce the law from now on,” said Mrs. Modupe.
She further explained, “The ongoing enforcement exercise, which started in Ibadan, is the implementation of the long-standing Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law. This law stipulates specific penalties for both buyers and sellers involved in trading goods or services on the streets.”
Mrs. Modupe also emphasized the importance of proper waste disposal in the state, stating that the government will not tolerate illegal waste disposal.
She called on market leaders in the state to ensure strict adherence to environmental laws and urged them to engage the services of the government-approved waste management consultant, Mottainai Recycling Ltd.