The Lagos State Authorities has intensified its clampdown on unlawful constructions and shanties throughout the metropolis, with the newest enforcement train at Costain Bus Cease and the Ijora under-bridge space ensuing within the elimination of unauthorised merchants, makeshift constructions, and different environmental infractions.
Talking throughout the operation on Friday, the Particular Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, mentioned the train was a part of efforts to reclaim public areas that had been taken over by squatters and felony components.
“After clearing Costain beneath the bridge final week, we got here right here to relocate the buses that had been on the roundabout to their correct terminal. On arrival, we found that the bus cease and all of the lay-bys constructed for business buses had been overtaken by shanties,” Giwa instructed journalists.
The inter-agency operation, coordinated by Giwa, concerned officers from the Lagos State Site visitors Administration Authority (LASTMA), the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC, popularly often known as KAI), the Lagos Waste Administration Authority (LAWMA), and the Nigeria Police Drive.
Throughout the clearance, the enforcement staff uncovered a domestically made firearm and different gadgets linked to felony actions.
“We even discovered a domestically made gun right here,” Giwa disclosed. “That exhibits that crimes are being perpetrated on this place. The federal government can’t sit again and permit this to proceed.”
Giwa famous that the train aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader technique to revive order, security, and sanity throughout Lagos.
“What we are attempting to emphasize is that there have to be regulation and order in our society. We would like a society that works, and everyone should obey the regulation of the land,” he mentioned.
Addressing issues about sustainability, Giwa confirmed that the operation can be steady. “That is positively a steady train,” he mentioned.
“Lagos continues to draw folks due to the great work Mr. Governor is doing. However this inflow of individuals additionally places stress on the infrastructure that the federal government is offering.”
He added that reclaimed areas can be put to higher use for the good thing about residents.
The particular adviser additionally disclosed plans to collaborate with the Nigerian Railway Company (NRC) to forestall encroachment alongside railway corridors. “I’ve spoken with the Managing Director of the NRC. Simply behind right here is the railway line, and we can’t enable folks to construct shanties alongside the tracks,” he mentioned.
Giwa emphasised that whereas enforcement is critical, the federal government’s actions are guided by humanitarian issues. “How will you go away the consolation of your property to dwell beneath a bridge? We’re human beings, and there have to be respect for human dignity,” he mentioned, describing the motion as “powerful love.”
He, nevertheless, cautioned potential migrants towards relocating to Lagos with out correct planning. “Lagos welcomes everybody, however you can not simply come with out a plan or a spot to remain,” he warned.
