Oyo govt moves to enforce ban on street trading, illegal dumping of refuse

The Oyo State Government has announced plans to enforce the ban on street trading and the illegal dumping of refuse in a bid to restore order and maintain cleanliness in the state.

The Chairperson of the State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYORSEMA), Justice Aderonke Aderemi, disclosed this on Monday during a radio programme, Oro Oyo.

According to Aderemi, the government is committed to taking decisive actions against street trading and other vices affecting the state.

She urged citizens to embrace lawful practices, warning that displaying goods on walkways and roadsides now attracts immediate fines and penalties.

“We need to maintain a clean environment, orderliness, coordination, and sustainability of the state’s infrastructure to attract both foreign and local investors for the socio-economic development of our dear state.”

She lamented the traffic gridlock caused by roadside trading, describing it as a menace that disrupts traffic flow and harms the state’s image.

She added, “It has become worrisome to spend many hours in traffic caused by the illegal display of wares by the roadsides, which impedes traffic flow. Moreover, street trading has negative and harmful effects on the lives of residents and the state’s image.”

“Roadside traders should be prepared to face the full weight of the law and immediate legal consequences,”

To ensure compliance, Aderemi announced that an enforcement team, comprising OYORSEMA, the State Road Traffic Management Authority, and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, will be deployed for an extensive operation.

The operation will include public sensitisation campaigns across major markets such as Bodija, Sango, Dugbe, Challenge-Orita, Aleshinloye, Akobo-General Gas, and others. Town criers will also assist in raising awareness before enforcement begins.

Aderemi further emphasised that dumping refuse on road medians, roundabouts, drainage channels, and gutters is now illegal.

“The enforcement of this order is not intended to cause panic or misconceptions among traders in the affected areas, but to ensure compliance, safety, and a thriving, law-abiding environment for all,” she concluded.