The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has been seen clearing the CMD/Magodo Road of street traders. A video of the incident surfaced online, showing officials loading the seized goods into their truck.
he video was released by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on his social media account. “Let’s be fast, we are packing everything,” a voice ordered as some KAI officials hurriedly loaded the food items in their truck.
The incident has sparked a wave of mixed reactions online. While some netizens applauded the act as a necessary step towards maintaining cleanliness and order in the city, others criticized it. Some went as far as equating the officials’ actions to theft
“This CMD/Secretariat especially has become a mini market. I just hope those wares will be returned to them since we want a saner society, please let’s consider their goods too, they should go to the market to sell,” a user named Scephyblackboy wrote on social media.
Nigerian artiste Shakar El also commented on the incident, saying, “This is stealing, the officers will take the food home and eat it. The poor oppressing the poor.”
While LAGESC’s actions are aimed at maintaining environmental sanitation, they also have implications for the livelihoods of street traders. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by cities like Lagos in managing street trading and maintaining environmental sanitation. It underscores the need for comprehensive solutions that address both environmental concerns and socio-economic realities.