The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) has warned transport unions and other stakeholders against allocating pedestrian walkways and public spaces to their members.

The task force chairman, Adetayo Akerele, issued the warning in a statement on Thursday. He said that the task force met with transport unions, market leaders, traders and other stakeholders in the Ikeja Division.

The engagement was held at the Lagos State Safety Arena, Oshodi, on Wednesday.

Mr Akerele said the engagement was part of the task force’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to ensure public safety, environmental compliance and adherence to extant laws.

He said the task force would continue to enforce laws against obstruction of pedestrian walkways, road setbacks and other public spaces.

The chairman expressed concern over reports that some union officials allocated pedestrian walkways and other public spaces to petty traders, obstructing free movement and creating environmental nuisances.

He urged stakeholders to support the government’s efforts to ensure public spaces remain accessible and free from encroachment.

Mr Akerele also said the task force is collaborating with relevant state agencies to address other environmental challenges, including waste management and open defecation.

“Enforcement alone can not achieve a clean and safe environment, sustained public safety and environmental sanitation requires collective responsibility,” he said.

The chairman charged scrap dealers with ensuring that all members of their association were properly registered and had verifiable means of identification.

He said proper identification of scrap dealers would enhance accountability, strengthen security, and help law enforcement agencies distinguish legitimate operators from criminal elements.

According to Mr Akerele, this initiative shows the task force’s commitment to working with stakeholders to preserve public spaces, protect infrastructure and promote a cleaner and safer Lagos.

(NAN)