Oyo State Government has warned the street traders in the state, especially within Ibadan metropolis to vacate the roads or face sanctions.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Modupe Adeleye, gave the warning during a sensitisation programme with market men and women in Ibadan, on Friday.
She said the state government is poised to find a lasting solution to the menace of street trading and illegal dumping of refuse in the state.
Adeleye stressed the need for collaborative efforts amongst stakeholders in curbing the menace, noting that the exercise was not aimed at witchhunting anyone.
She enjoined market, community and transport union leaders, among other stakeholders, to caution their members against allocating trading spots on roads and major streets to traders in the state.
She said traders and residents must align with the state government in its renewed efforts at curbing indiscriminate waste disposal.
“The government has put in place some major efforts, especially by engaging a waste management company, Mottainai Recycling Ltd, in tackling refuse disposal and recycling.The street trading impedes the free flow of traffic and operatives of the ministry are resolute to take an uncompromising posture in enforcing street trading laws of Oyo State.
“After the sensitisation, the ministry would embark on full enforcement and anyone found culpable will face the wrath of environmental laws operating in the state,” she said.
She appealed to traders to adhere strictly to the environmental laws of the state, by patronising the government approved waste consultant and its accredited franchisees.
Speaking, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Chief Yekini Abass, called on the traders in the state to strictly adhere to the environmental laws, urging them to put an end to street trading.
Markets visited include Bodija international market, Eleyele market, Sango Market among others.