Concerns have been raised over the re-emergence of shanties around Oshodi bus terminal, despite promises by the Lagos State government to eliminate illegal structures and improve safety and environmental conditions.
The Guardian learnt that the construction of shanties began in 2024 with a barber setting up a makeshift tent. Observing no resistance from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, other individuals joined him, leading to the establishment of more shops and residential structures. Many occupants reportedly cook, eat, and live in the area.
Last week, some of the shanty dwellers reportedly organised parties after market hours, defecating in gutters despite the ministry’s campaign against open defecation.
Additionally, traders, mostly women, have taken over roads in the area, creating challenges for motorists. The women, who have defied repeated warnings to vacate the roads, are said to confront anyone attempting to move them or their wares.
The situation has been further complicated by textile dealers who unload their goods on the road, obstructing vehicular movement. The traders also indiscriminately dump refuse, clogging drainage channels and worsening environmental conditions.
When contacted, the Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd.), visited the scene and immediately ordered the removal of the illegal structures.
“I am seeing this for the first time, and I have ordered that the officials bring everything down to prevent further encroachment,” he said. “This is unacceptable, and I will sanction the officials in charge of this area. They cannot return to this location; I can assure you of that.
Cole further noted that enforcement against street trading and roadside wares display has been ongoing but acknowledged resistance, particularly from female traders. “We will continue enforcing the law by chasing them out,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) has deployed personnel to monitor the Mushin-Agege Motor Road pedestrian bridge following reports of extortion by miscreants. On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, it was alleged that miscreants demanded tolls from pedestrians attempting to use the bridge.
The Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Task Force, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, clarified that no individual is authorised to collect tolls on pedestrian bridges. He stated that enforcement agencies have been notified to address the issue and ensure pedestrian safety.
“We urge the public to disregard such misinformation and report illegal activities through appropriate government channels,” he added.(Guardian)
