IKEJA LG TO BEGIN FULL ENFORCEMENT OF BAN ON SCAVENGING, STREET TRADING, CART PUSHING JAN 1, 2026

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

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‎Ikeja Local Government has announced January 1, 2026, as the official commencement date for the full enforcement of its new security and environmental regulations, aimed at curbing criminality, improving sanitation, and restoring order across the Lagos capital city.

‎The Executive Chairman, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), disclosed this on Friday during a high-level press conference held at the Local Government Conference hall.

‎The event brought together all heads of security formations operating in Ikeja, including the Nigeria Police, DSS, Civil Defence, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Immigration, KAI, and the National Orientation Agency.

‎Also in attendance were the CDC Chairman, Iyaloja of Ikeja, market associations, religious leaders, youth representatives, community leaders, and the six councillors of the legislative arm led by the Leader of the House, Hon. Rasheed Adisa Ogunseye, alongside the Council Manager, Mrs. Juliana Taiwo Odubeko.

‎Hon. Dauda said the new measures are part of a coordinated strategy to eliminate threats to public safety and enhance the livability of Ikeja. He listed four key focus areas for strict enforcement on ban on Scavengers (“Boola”), which according to him have been linked to theft, vandalism of public infrastructure, and general insecurity. Only licensed, traceable waste operators will be allowed to function moving forward

‎On the ban on Street Trading and Hawking, the council chairman noted that street trading obstructs traffic, constitutes an environmental nuisance, and exposes traders to danger. He assured that regulated marketplaces will serve as safer alternatives.

‎According to him, ban on cart pushers will enable illegal refuse dumping and pose nighttime security risks. A complete phase-out will be enforced as the council introduces a more organised waste management system.

‎On Zero Tolerance for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Dauda emphasised a community-driven model to address SGBV, saying the council will collaborate with security agencies to strengthen rapid response, prosecution, and survivor support mechanisms.

‎The chairman stressed that enforcement will be carried out through joint operations involving all security agencies and relevant government units.

‎“These measures are not punitive. They are designed to promote safety, orderliness, and sustainable development,” he said. “We owe our people a cleaner, safer, and more organized Ikeja. This administration will not compromise on security and public safety.”

‎He called on residents, market leaders, religious institutions, transport unions, and community groups to comply fully with the directive and support the reforms.

‎Dauda reaffirmed Ikeja LG’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes security and the welfare of citizens.