By Nicholas Ojo
Governor Seyi Makinde led administration has set machinery in motion to enforce a total ban on street trading in Oyo State.
This was contained in statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Rotimi Babalola on Wednesday in Ibadan.
Rotimi who ordered a clamp down on street traders in the state, asserted that street trading is a punishable offence.
He explained that the move came following the state government’s sensitisation at Ibadan markets some weeks ago, on the need to rid the state of illegal trading.
However, Mrs. Modupe Adeleye, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, said 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.
Modupe said street trading is now prohibited and a punishable offence, in Oyo State according to the environmental laws of the state. Adding that the Seyi Makinde-led government places a premium on the 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 strict enforcement exercise, which had commenced in Ibadan, is an implementation of a long-existing enactment of Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law.
“The law prescribes specific punishment for both the buyer and the seller of any goods or services on the streets.
“The residents should ensure proper disposal of refuse in the state, adding that the state government will not tolerate illegal disposal of refuse.
“The market leaders in the state should ensure members adhere strictly to the environmental laws and urged them to engage government-approved waste management consultant, Mottainai Recycling Ltd, she added.
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