The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, has pledged a tougher crackdown on traffic and environmental offenders across the state, warning that violators will face swift arrest and prosecution.
Akerele gave the assurance on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement session held at the Safety Arena in Bolade, Oshodi, where market leaders, transport operators and artisans were briefed on the agency’s renewed enforcement strategy.
The meeting, themed “Promoting Safety and Serenity Through Traffic and Environmental Best Practices,” was convened in response to the rising incidents of urban disorderliness in Lagos.
Addressing participants, Akerele lamented the human and economic losses caused by the persistent Okada menace, drug abuse, one-way driving, traffic violations and related criminal behaviours.
He stressed that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is determined to eliminate such threats to public safety.
He said, “The establishment of this agency is a deliberate and strategic effort by the state government to reduce the human and material losses linked to lawlessness and criminal activities. Lagos has suffered greatly from traffic infractions, the proliferation of Okada on major roads, substance abuse, miscreants, and reckless driving.
“As a responsive administration under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, we are committed to ending these problems. This is why collaboration is essential, no one knows when or where the next incident will occur, or who the next victim may be.”
Akerele also highlighted provisions in the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017, as well as the Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, noting that the legislation provides zero tolerance for Okada operations on highways, one-way driving, street trading, illegal structures, shanties and other practices that undermine safety and urban order.
The Task Force chairman urged Lagos residents to actively support ongoing enforcement operations, emphasising the role of communities in reporting violations and suspicious activities.
He added, “I appeal to everyone here to work with the government in making our neighbourhoods safer. The mandate is simple: Speak up. Report wrongdoing. Report illegalities. Even if the offender is a neighbour, a friend, or a relative, the safety of the community must come first.
“We encourage all community leaders and stakeholders to report illegal developments, blackspots, drug addicts, street urchins, cultists, quacks, illegal ticket operators and miscreants within your areas. Reports can be made at the Agency Headquarters or via these numbers: 090137555111 and 090138555111.”