Oyo to enforce ban on street trading

The Oyo State Government announced on Monday, that it is ready to take decisive action against traders selling by the roadside.

The government stated that serious steps are being taken to address street trading and other vices in the state.

The Chairperson of the State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Justice Aderonke Aderemi, made this announcement during a radio programme titled “Oro Oyo,” which highlights the activities, achievements, and prospects of the state government.

Aderemi urged citizens to embrace lawful behaviour and refrain from the indecent act of displaying wares on walkways and roadsides, as this now attracts fines and penalties, which will be enforced immediately.

She said, “We need to maintain a clean environment, orderliness, coordination, and sustainability of the state’s infrastructure to attract both foreign and local investors for the socio-economic development of our dear state.”

She added, “It has become worrisome to spend many hours in traffic caused by the illegal display of wares by the roadsides, which impedes traffic flow. Moreover, street trading has negative and harmful effects on the lives of residents and the state’s image.”

“Roadside traders should be prepared to face the full weight of the law
and immediate legal consequences,” she warned.

Aderemi further explained that an enforcement team from the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, in collaboration with the State Road Traffic Management Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, would be deployed to carry out an extensive operation.

This will include intense sensitisation and awareness campaigns in major market areas such as Bodija, Sango, New Bola Ige, Oje, Gate, Dugbe, Challenge-Orita, Aleshinloye, Eleyele, Akobo-General Gas, Bashorun, and others. Town criers will also assist the team in creating maximum awareness before enforcement begins.

She also stated that it is now illegal to dump refuse on road medians, roundabouts, drainage channels, and gutters.

“The enforcement of this order is not intended to cause panic or misconceptions among traders in the affected areas, but to ensure compliance, safety, and a thriving, law-abiding environment for all,” she added.