The Lagos State Government has warned residents that traffic and environmental offenders will face arrest and prosecution. This measure specifically targets Lagos traffic offenders after the completion of a month-long public sensitisation campaign.
According to The PUNCH, the chairman of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, Adetayo Akerele, announced the plan on Thursday. This announcement came following an awareness programme at Oshodi Market, where issues related to Lagos traffic offenders were also discussed.
The campaign aims to educate residents about prohibited conduct and the consequences of violating traffic and environmental regulations. In particular, Lagos traffic offenders are expected to take note of these new measures.
Taskforce prepares to begin enforcement
Akerele said the sensitisation exercise had been conducted across local government areas and local council development areas in Lagos.
He explained that residents had been given information about the laws and the offences they were expected to avoid. He made this clarification before enforcement began.
“After a month of this education, we will begin to arrest and prosecute any violator,” Akerele said.
He noted that the programme was designed to ensure residents understood their obligations before the taskforce began taking enforcement action.
Lagos cites traffic and environmental laws
The chairman identified the Lagos State Traffic Sector Reform Law of 2015. He also cited the Environmental Reform Law of 2017 as part of the legal framework guiding the exercise.
The campaign is intended to improve road safety, prevent obstruction and promote environmental orderliness across the state. Moreover, stricter monitoring of Lagos traffic offenders will support these goals.
Akerele said the government wanted residents to understand the consequences of violating the laws. He added they should not rely on ignorance as an excuse.
Enforcement to follow awareness campaign
The taskforce said enforcement would begin after the sensitisation period, with offenders liable to arrest and prosecution.
The government expects the initiative to encourage compliance and improve public safety in markets, roads and other public spaces.
Residents have been urged to familiarise themselves with the prohibited activities highlighted during the campaign.
The planned crackdown forms part of the state’s broader effort to improve traffic management and environmental sanitation.
