By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement operations across its major commercial corridors, arresting and prosecuting 859 offenders in the Lagos Island and Ikeja Central Business Districts as part of efforts to restore order, improve sanitation and strengthen regulatory compliance within the state’s business environment.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Central Business Districts, Hon. Mrs. Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, disclosed this on Tuesday during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
Olumegbon-Lawal said the enforcement drive reflected the state government’s determination to sustain a cleaner, safer and more organised commercial ecosystem capable of attracting investment and improving public safety.
According to her, the offenders were arrested for various environmental and traffic-related violations across strategic business corridors in Lagos Island and Ikeja.
She revealed that 24 tricycle operators were prosecuted for offences including illegal parking, one-way driving, traffic light violations and reckless driving within the business districts.
“During the period under review, a total of 859 offenders were arrested and prosecuted across Lagos Island and Ikeja Districts,” she said.
The Special Adviser also announced disciplinary actions against seven officials of the agency for misconduct and insubordination, stressing that the office maintained zero tolerance for abuse of office and unethical conduct.
“It gladdens my heart to inform you that my office does not ignore public complaints, especially those directed against our officers. All complaints are investigated, and where necessary, affected officers are disciplined accordingly,” she stated.
She explained that the agency had sustained aggressive environmental restoration and compliance operations in key commercial locations, including Inner Marina, Broad Street, Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Dosunmu, Ebute-Ero, Martins Street and Idumota.
As part of the exercise, illegal shanties and makeshift structures erected on road setbacks and pedestrian walkways were demolished to improve sanitation, ease movement and enhance the aesthetics of the affected areas.
Olumegbon-Lawal, however, lamented persistent attacks on enforcement personnel by suspected hoodlums and elements linked to the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, during some operations.
“At times, our officers have been subjected to attacks by elements linked to NURTW and hoodlums whose actions undermine the agency’s efforts toward effective service delivery,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she assured residents and business owners that the agency would remain steadfast in enforcing environmental and traffic regulations across the state’s commercial hubs.
The Special Adviser further highlighted the intervention role played by CBD officials during emergencies, particularly during the Great Nigeria Insurance Building collapse on Christmas Eve in 2025.
She noted that officials of the agency were among the first responders at the scene, where they alerted relevant emergency agencies and collaborated with security operatives to coordinate rescue and crowd-control efforts.
Olumegbon-Lawal added that the agency had also expanded stakeholder engagement and public sensitisation campaigns involving market associations, traders, business owners, plaza operators and community leaders to deepen compliance with sanitation and traffic regulations.
She reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Central Business Districts Office to sustaining a business-friendly environment through strict enforcement, public enlightenment and inter-agency collaboration.
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