Lagos State Government has again warned residents and traders against the sale or display of rams and other livestock on highways, road medians and unauthorised public spaces ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning on Monday during a media briefing at his office, stating that the government would strictly enforce environmental laws throughout the festive period.
Wahab stressed that the state would not condone street trading or activities capable of obstructing traffic, endangering public safety or defacing the environment during the Sallah celebrations.
According to him, the restriction applies to the sale and display of rams and other livestock on major highways, road medians, lay-bys, parks, gardens and other public spaces across Lagos State.
He noted that while livestock trading usually increases during the festive season, operators must conduct their businesses in approved locations and in compliance with environmental regulations.
The commissioner warned that enforcement operations would be intensified against individuals involved in illegal street trading, erection of unauthorised stalls and conversion of open spaces into illegal markets or refuse dumping sites.
“Let me restate the government’s resolve to firmly apply regulatory and enforcement measures against contraventions of environmental laws and regulations. I enjoin residents to voluntarily comply with the extant State environmental laws,” Wahab said.
He also urged residents to maintain proper environmental hygiene during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities by ensuring that waste generated from the slaughtering and processing of animals is properly managed.
Wahab advised Lagosians to bag their waste appropriately and dispose of them at designated collection points for evacuation by the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government remained committed to sustaining efforts aimed at eliminating indiscriminate refuse disposal and maintaining cleaner communities across Lagos.
According to him, environmental sustainability remains essential to public health, social wellbeing and economic growth within the state.
Wahab further cautioned residents against environmental violations such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse and maintaining dirty surroundings, warning that offenders would be sanctioned in line with existing laws.
He added that the government would continue to strengthen public enlightenment campaigns and enforcement activities geared toward promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.
The commissioner also congratulated Muslim faithful ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration and encouraged residents to make use of designated parks, gardens and recreational centres across the state for relaxation and family activities during the festive season.