The Oyo State Government has set machinery in motion to clamp down on street traders, in the enforcement of total ban on street trading in the state.
In a statement released on Wednesday, in Ibadan, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Rotimi Babalola, said the move came following the state government’s sensitisation at Ibadan markets many weeks ago, on the need to get rid of illegal trading.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary (PS), Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Modupe Adeleye, stated that the move is in furtherance of the state government’s commitment to stamping out street trading on the state highways and other major streets in the metropolis.
Adeleye disclosed that street trading had become prohibited and a punishable offense according to the environmental laws of the state, noting that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, placed premium on safety of lives and property.
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.”
The PS noted that the strict enforcement exercise which had commenced in Ibadan was an implementation of a long existing enactment by the state government on Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law, which prescribes specific punishment for both the buyer and the seller of any goods or services on the streets.
She further appealed to residents to ensure proper disposal of refuse in the state, as the state government would not tolerate illegal disposal of refuse by residents and enjoined market leaders in the state to ensure members adhere strictly to the environmental laws, urging them to engage the government approved waste management consultant.
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources had earlier engaged traders in an aggressive sensitisation and awareness of the government’s zero tolerance to street trading, attended by all stakeholders, including the Babaloja General of Oyo State and other market leaders.
Markets visited by the Permanent Secretary and officials of the Ministry include Beere Market; Oja-Oba; Idi-Arere; Oranyan; Molete; Eleyele and Bodija International Market, amongst others.
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