Ibadan, Nigeria: The Oyo State Government has issued a two-week ultimatum to traders operating along Ibadan’s Airport Road, Old Ife Road, and Onipepeye axis, directing them to vacate the roadside and container shops immediately.
The directive is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to Gov Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju.
According to the statement, the government gave the traders two weeks to put an end to roadside trading on the axis.
The government stated that, having established markets and other closed environments in various parts of the city, it could no longer tolerate roadside trading or the placement of container shops on drainage.
It noted that roadside traders were exposed to serious dangers and avoidable environmental hazards.
The government added that it has a duty to protect the citizens from all manner of danger, as a responsible government.
It also stated that trading on walkways could lead to damaging public infrastructure, blocking the drainage system and putting the state at risk of flooding.
It stated that roadside trading would deprive the state of the benefits of its investment in promoting tourism, as such sights deter tourists.
The government urged all affected people to comply with the directive, which expires on Oct. 27, stressing that failure to do so would result in the enforcement of extant rules in the state.
It stated that this might lead to not only the confiscation of wares but also the prosecution of offenders.
The government called for the cooperation of all and sundry to achieve sustainable development in the state.