Taskforce vows tougher enforcement against Lagos road violators

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, or the Taskforce, has pledged to ramp up enforcement against road users and activities that endanger public safety and obstruct highways. At the agency's 2026 Stakeholders' Engagement Programme, Taskforce Chairman Adetayo Akerele announced the intensified measures during a meeting at the Safety Arena in Bolade-Oshodi, Lagos.

Speaking on the theme "Promoting Public Safety and Environmental Best Practices in Lagos State," Akerele outlined the agency's plans to target restricted motorcycle routes, street obstructions, illegal roadside mechanics, unauthorized ticketing, and unauthorized use of Bus Rapid Transit corridors. The enforcement efforts will also focus on environmental sanitation violations, miscreants, and other actions that could threaten public safety.

Akerele emphasized that the goal was to promote compliance with Lagos State laws, rather than solely focusing on arrests and prosecutions. He stated that the Taskforce would continue to intensify lawful enforcement against restricted Okada operations, environmental sanitation violations, illegal activities, street obstructions, and other conduct that jeopardizes public safety.

However, enforcement should complement education, sensitization, and engagement. Akerele urged residents and stakeholders to adhere to the state's environmental laws, particularly the Environmental Reform Law, as amended. The Taskforce, established in 1991 to address sanitary issues, has expanded its responsibilities over the years to include enforcement against environmental violations, illegal roadside mechanics, illegal ticketing, road obstructions, and unauthorized BRT corridor usage.

The agency collaborates with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority to enforce these measures. Taskforce representatives encouraged residents to report violations and impostors posing as Taskforce officials. They also urged the public to report anyone demanding money or offering illegal immunity under the agency's name.