The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, has conducted an unscheduled inspection of illegal markets and roadside shanties along the Lekki–Epe Expressway to enforce environmental and planning regulations.
Epe Insights reports that the enforcement visit covered the unapproved ram market at Container Bus Stop and illegal trading structures around the GreenSpring axis, identified as posing risks to public safety and environmental order.
During the inspection, Hon. Olowa interacted with traders and occupants, sensitising them on existing guidelines governing the establishment and operation of markets within Ibeju-Lekki Local Government.
The Chairman stated that the locations inspected are not designated trading zones and therefore contravene environmental, traffic, and urban planning regulations put in place to ensure order and safety.
He directed all traders and occupants to commence immediate relocation to approved markets within the local government, warning that continued occupation of the affected areas would attract enforcement action.
According to Hon. Olowa, public spaces must be protected from misuse, stressing that illegal structures along major roads obstruct traffic flow and endanger both traders and commuters.
He announced a one-week grace period for compliance, after which the local government’s demolition team will be mobilised to remove all illegal structures along the corridor.
The Chairman reaffirmed that the enforcement exercise is not targeted at depriving residents of their livelihoods, but aimed at ensuring that commercial activities are carried out in safe, approved, and organised environments.
Hon. Olowa emphasized that environmental protection, urban orderliness, and proper regulation of markets remain central to his administration’s development agenda for Ibeju-Lekki.
He assured residents that the local government will continue to apply the law fairly and consistently, while encouraging traders to cooperate with authorities in the interest of sustainable growth.
The inspection forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government to promote a cleaner environment, safer road corridors, and responsible commercial practices across the area.
