Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, is set to go tough on street trading with a task force ready to clamp down on illegal, street trading.
According to a statement made on Wednesday in Ibadan by Mr Rotimi Babalola, Director of Press and Public Relations for the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, the action was taken after the state government had long ago raised awareness of the need to eliminate unlawful dealing in Ibadan markets.
Mrs Modupe Adeleye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, stated that the action aligns with the state government’s goal to eliminate street trade on state roads and other important streets in the capital.
According to her, street trading is now illegal in Oyo State and a serious offence under the state’s environmental laws.
She said, “It is no longer news to anyone that the Oyo State Government will no longer tolerate street trading in the State, and the ministry would be enforcing the law in full force, henceforth.”
Adeleye stated that the strict enforcement exercise that has begun in Ibadan is a result of the state government’s long-standing enactment of the Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law, which prescribes specific punishment for both the buyer and seller of any goods or services on the streets.
Mrs Adeleye also urged citizens to ensure proper waste disposal in the state, stating that the Oyo State Government will not condone unlawful waste dumping by residents.
She urged state market leaders to ensure that members follow environmental rules, asking them to hire government-approved Waste Management consultancy Mottainai Recycling Ltd.
The ministry had previously engaged traders in aggressive indoctrination and knowledge of the government’s zero tolerance for street dealing. All stakeholders, including the Babaloja General of Oyo State and other market leaders, were present.
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