The Oyo State Government has said street trading is a punishable offence and set machinery in motion to clamp down on street traders in the state.
This is to enforce a total ban on street trading in the state.
A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Rotimi Babalola on Wednesday in Ibadan, said the move came following the state government’s sensitisation at Ibadan markets some weeks ago, on the need to rid the state of illegal trading.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Modupe Adeleye, said the move is in furtherance of the state government’s commitment to stamping out street trading on the state highways and other major streets in the metropolis.
She said in Oyo State, street trading is now prohibited and a punishable offence, according to the environmental laws of the state.
Mrs. Adeleye added that the Seyi Makinde-led government places a premium on the safety of lives and property.
She said, “It is no longer news to anyone that the Oyo State Government will no longer tolerate street trading in the state and the ministry would be enforcing the law in full force, henceforth.”
Adeleye disclosed that the strict enforcement exercise, which had commenced in Ibadan, is an implementation of a long-existing enactment of Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law.
According to her, the law prescribes specific punishment for both the buyer and the seller of any goods or services on the streets.
Speaking further, Mrs. Adeleye appealed to residents to ensure proper disposal of refuse in the state, adding that the state government will not tolerate illegal disposal of refuse.
She enjoined market leaders in the state to ensure members adhere strictly to the environmental laws and urged them to engage government-approved waste management consultant, Mottainai Recycling Ltd.
The ministry earlier sensitized traders in some markets to the need to stop street trading. The markets visited include Beere; Oja-Oba; Idi-Arere; Oranyan; Molete; Eleyele and Bodija.