Oyo State prohibits street trading, initiates stringent enforcement measures
The Oyo State Government has initiated measures to crack down on street traders in its effort to enforce a complete ban on street trading throughout the state.
In a statement released by Mr. Rotimi Babalola, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, it was revealed that this action follows the government’s awareness campaign conducted in Ibadan markets several weeks ago, emphasizing the necessity of eliminating illegal trading.
Mrs. Modupe Adeleye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, stated that this move is in line with the state government’s commitment to eradicating street trading on highways and other major streets in the metropolis.
She further highlighted that street trading is now strictly prohibited in Oyo State and is considered a punishable offense under the state’s environmental laws.
Mrs. Adeleye added that the safety of lives and properties is of utmost importance to the government, led by Engr. Seyi Makinde.
“It is common knowledge that the Oyo State Government will no longer tolerate street trading in the state, and the ministry will now vigorously enforce the law,” she affirmed.
Adeleye revealed that the ongoing stringent enforcement exercise in Ibadan is a result of the long-standing legislation by the state government, namely the Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law, which stipulates specific penalties for both buyers and sellers of goods or services on the streets.
Additionally, Mrs. Adeleye appealed to residents to ensure the proper disposal of refuse in the state, as the government will not tolerate illegal dumping.
She urged market leaders to strictly adhere to environmental laws and encouraged them to engage the services of Mottainai Recycling Ltd., a government-approved waste management consultant.
It is worth mentioning that the ministry had previously conducted an extensive awareness campaign targeting traders, stressing the government’s zero-tolerance policy on street trading.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Babaloja General of Oyo State and other market leaders.
The Permanent Secretary and ministry officials visited various markets, including Beere Market, Oja-Oba, Idi-Arere, Oranyan, Molete, Eleyele, and Bodija International Market, to engage with traders and raise awareness about the enforcement measures.
