Lagos State Government Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum To Traders And Mechanics Under Marine Bridge.
The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to traders and mechanics operating under the Marine Bridge in Lagos to vacate the area, as part of its ongoing urban regeneration and environmental protection initiatives. The directive, announced on Sunday, 25 May 2025, aims to address environmental degradation, improve infrastructure, and mitigate flooding risks in the region.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, issued the notice, highlighting the negative impact of unauthorised activities under the bridge. According to a statement from Budget TV Africa, the government’s decision follows concerns over the environmental and safety hazards posed by makeshift stalls, workshops, and other structures obstructing critical infrastructure.
This move aligns with the state’s broader efforts to restore order and ensure a flood-free Lagos, as seen in similar actions taken earlier this year. In January 2025, the government issued a comparable 48-hour ultimatum to traders under the Apongbon Bridge and along drainage setbacks on Lagos Island, citing the illegal conversion of public spaces into markets and the resulting flooding risks. During an inspection of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata Drainage Channel, Commissioner Wahab noted that such activities compromise vital drainage systems, posing significant threats to lives and property.
The Marine Bridge area, a key transportation hub, has been identified as a hotspot for illegal trading and mechanical workshops, which have contributed to congestion and environmental issues. The government’s directive is part of a sustained campaign to reclaim public spaces and ensure compliance with urban planning regulations. “We cannot continue to allow these infractions,” Wahab stated in a related context earlier this year, emphasising the need to maintain infrastructure for the benefit of all Lagosians.
The ultimatum requires all traders and mechanics to relocate to designated areas within 48 hours, with the government warning that enforcement actions will follow non-compliance. Previous operations, such as the demolition of illegal structures under the Apongbon Bridge in March 2025, demonstrate the state’s resolve to enforce environmental laws. That operation targeted street traders obstructing drainage systems and walkways, with officials clearing makeshift stalls to restore order.
While the government insists that these measures are necessary to create a cleaner and safer city, the ultimatum has sparked mixed reactions. Some traders have expressed concerns about the impact on their livelihoods, pleading for alternative spaces to continue their businesses. However, the state has reiterated its commitment to providing designated markets and terminals, as seen in earlier initiatives to modernise areas like Alaba Rago.
Commissioner Wahab has urged residents and traders to cooperate with the government’s efforts, warning that violators will face penalties, including potential prosecution at the Lagos State Mobile Court. “This is about creating a city that works for everyone,” he said, echoing sentiments from his January inspection. The government has also called on Lagosians to refrain from indiscriminate waste disposal and illegal trading on drainage paths, stressing the need for collective responsibility to build a resilient metropolis.
As the 48-hour deadline approaches, enforcement teams from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) are expected to monitor compliance and take action against recalcitrant occupants. The state remains steadfast in its mission to transform Lagos into a sustainable, flood-free, and well-organised urban centre.
For further details on relocation plans or designated trading areas, affected traders are advised to contact the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
