Lagos authorities seized alcoholic beverages from street vendors at Olupese Terminal Park and Oshodi-Bolade Garages on Tuesday, as part of efforts to reduce road accidents caused by drunk driving.
The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps, also known as KAI, impounded the drinks, and the Corps Marshal warned street traders to cease their activities, which are illegal under state law.
This is the latest in a series of operations by the Lagos State Government to curb street trading and promote road safety.
He wrote, “As part of concerted efforts undertaken by the state government to mitigate the trend of alcohol consumption by commercial drivers across different parks and garages in the state as discovered to be a primary trigger for motor accidents, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps popularly known as KAI impounded alcoholic drinks during a raid on Olupese Terminal Park and Oshodi-Bolade Garages on Tuesday.”
Major Olaniyi Cole, the Corps Marshal, issued a warning to street vendors and hawkers to immediately stop their operations, as they are prohibited by state regulations.
“He maintained that the resolve of the agency in the war against street trading, displaying wares for sale in traffic on walkways, setbacks, lay-bys, gutter slabs, road verges, and medians will be sustained and defaulters will be met with stiff opposition,” the statement added.
The Lagos State Government has escalated its crackdown on street trading through various operations, which include dismantling makeshift structures and removing vendors from roadsides, in a bid to curb informal trading activities.
