Lagos, NPA removes illegal kiosks, shanties, others from Apapa, environs

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the Nigerian Port Authority have commenced a total clean-up of all environmental degradation of Apapa and its environs.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Bolaji Oreagba, said at the weekend that the clean-up of all environmental degradation began after the expiration of notices served on owners of illegal shanties, kiosks, containerised shops and abandoned trailers in Apapa and its environs.

Oreagba added that the exercise which would last for seven days started at the weekend with the demolition of many illegal shanties, kiosks, towing of abandoned trailers and dismantling of illegal garages.

A statement by LASTMA spokesman, Taofeek Adebayo, said, “He (Oreagba) confirmed further that all those demolished illegal shanties around the Nigerian Port does not only constitute health and safety risks but also served as a haven for criminals who make use of such locations as hideouts.”

He quoted the GM as saying, “All abandoned trailers from the Nigerian Port’s first gate down to the underneath of Lilypond Bridge constituting environmental nuisance were all towed by the team.

“The area is becoming a breeding ground for miscreants and hoodlums who on daily basis extorts money from innocent motorists and impede the free flow of traffic”

The General Manager Security of Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Khalil, hinted that the clean-up on all environmental degradation in Apapa and its environs “is long over-due.

He maintained that Nigerian Ports Authority carried out radio jingles and enlightenment campaigns educating members of the public on the need for the clean-up exercise.

Relevant Agencies of Government involved during the clean-up include Nigeria Police (Lagos State Ports Command), Op MESA and Federal Road Safety Corps.