MICHAEL AKINOLA
Two weeks after the Lagos State Government cleared street traders and illegal structures around the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, and Costain Under Bridge in Surulere, traders have returned to the same spots, citing economic hardship and high shop rents.
A visit by our correspondent on Sunday to Costain Under Bridge, Iponri and the TBS axis showed traders openly displaying goods on the road setbacks, median and walkways, causing traffic congestion and waste accumulation.
The Lagos State Government had on September 24, 2026, carried out a joint enforcement exercise involving LAWMA, KAI, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, and the Ministry of Environment to remove shanties and street traders around the areas.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, had earlier said the clearance was necessary because street trading was obstructing drainage, causing refuse dumps and making the area unsafe.
However, traders who spoke with our correspondent said they returned because they have no alternative means of livelihood.
One of the traders, Mrs Aisha Musa, who sells second-hand clothes at Costain, said she pays N500 daily ticket to touts but cannot afford a shop that costs N400,000 to N500,000 per annum in Surulere.
“We were chased away last week, but where do they want us to go? I have three children. My husband lost his job. This Costain is where I have sold for 12 years. Shop rent is N500k, where will I get it? We are managing,” she said.
Another trader, Mr. Chinedu Okoro, who sells phone accessories at Iponri, said the government should build affordable stalls instead of chasing them away.
“If government gives us proper place with small money, we will leave the road. But they demolish and leave us with nothing. We pay ticket every day but government says we are illegal,” he said.
Motorists and residents complained that the return of traders has worsened traffic on the Costain to Iponri road, especially during evening rush hour.
A commercial driver, Mr. Tunde Alabi, said traders occupy one lane, forcing vehicles to struggle for the remaining space.
“From Costain to Alaka, traders have taken half of the road. If you mistakenly hit their goods, they will attack you. Government should do permanent enforcement, not once in a month,” he said.
A resident of Costain, Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi, said the traders dump refuse inside the gutters and canal after sales, blocking drainage whenever it rains.
She urged LAWMA and KAI to station officials permanently at Costain and TBS, not just for occasional enforcement.
Environmental officials who spoke off the record said enforcement is continuous but traders return at night and early morning when officials are not on ground.
The Lagos State Government has warned that it will prosecute anyone caught trading on road setbacks, medians and walkways, as the offence is contrary to the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017.
LAWMA said it will continue to clear waste around the markets and has advised traders to use approved markets such as Oyingbo Market, Alayabiagba Market and Aguda Market in Surulere.
Residents have urged the state government to build low-cost trading stalls and create a daily enforcement team for Costain and TBS to prevent the area from returning to chaos.
As at press time, LAWMA and KAI officials said they will return for another clearance operation this week.
Note: Photo used is file photo to illustrate street trading activities observed during investigation.