Rail tracks ultimatum ignored by Lagos traders 

Hawkers and traders returned to the Lagos State Red Line right of way in Agege on Friday evening, displaying their wares along the rail tracks, as reported. When a correspondent passed through the Agege rail crossing, the traders were seen displaying their wares on the rail tracks despite warnings and clearance carried out last Saturday by the Lagos State Government.

Recall that the Lagos State government began clearing shanties and makeshift structures along the Red Rail Line city project last Saturday, aiming to reclaim the right of way (ROW) within the Red Rail Line corridors from Agbado, Agege, and Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

The task force responsible for clearing the rail corridor, which encompassed the Agege railway crossing, was headed by Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Dr. Olumide was joined by Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser for e-GIS and Urban Development, as well as Mr. Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). Additionally, senior directors from both the agency and the ministry were part of the team.

It’s important to note that LASBCA operates as an agency within the purview of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Governor Sanwo-olu insists on Lagos trader’s rail tracks ultimatum

The enforcement operation commenced at the Lateef Jakande Station in Agbado, situated on the Lagos-Ogun border, and proceeded through Iju to the Babatunde Fashola Station in Agege. During this operation, all temporary stalls located along the rail tracks were removed.

Additionally, certain permanent structures, including four new-generation churches, underwent partial demolition, and other encroachments were also cleared.

Furthermore, there were reports that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, visited the areas to caution the traders against transforming the rail tracks into a marketplace, emphasizing the importance of their safety.