The Oyo State Government has issued a two-week ultimatum to roadside traders and container shop owners along Airport Road, Old Ife Road, and Onipepeye areas of Ibadan to relocate their businesses. The directive, which expires on October 27, 2025, aims to curb the dangers and environmental hazards associated with roadside trading.
The government said having built markets and other closed environments in various parts of the city, it could no longer tolerate trading on roadside or placement of container shops on drainages.
It noted that roadside traders are exposed to serious dangers and avoidable environmental hazards, adding that as a responsible government, it has a duty to protect the citizens from all manner of danger.
The government also added that trading on walkways could lead to damaging public infrastructure, blocking drainage system and putting the state at the risk of flooding.
It said that roadside trading would deprive the state of benefits of its investment in the promotion of tourism, stating that such sights turn off tourists.
The government urged all affected people to comply with the directive, stressing that failure to do so would result in the enforcement of extant rules in the state which might lead to not just the confiscation of wares but also the prosecution of offenders.
The government called for the cooperation of all and sundry to achieve sustainable development in the state.
