The Lagos State Government has directed traders operating at the Alaba Rago roadside market along the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway to vacate the area within 72 hours or face enforcement action.
The directive was announced by officials during a sensitisation exercise conducted along the corridor, which forms part of the strategic Lagos–Seme international highway.
Authorities said the move is aimed at addressing environmental concerns, removing illegal structures, and improving the appearance of one of the state’s busiest entry and exit routes.
Speaking on the development, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, stated that the current condition of the corridor does not reflect the image of a modern city.
According to him, the stretch of road has become crowded with makeshift stalls, unauthorised structures, and activities considered detrimental to public safety and environmental standards.
“Lagos State cannot pretend or look the other way over the level of illegal activities and environmental hazards here,” Akerele said.
The government noted that the road serves as a key link between Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries through the Seme border, making it an important route for international travellers and regional trade.
Officials said the decision followed engagements with traders and occupants of the area before the eviction notice was issued. Rather than immediately deploying enforcement teams, the state government opted to inform affected traders of the planned action and provide a short period for voluntary compliance.
During the exercise, representatives of the Ministry of Information and Strategy also urged traders to seek more suitable locations for their businesses.
One official told traders, “The life you are living here on the expressway is not good. Find a place to rent and be living there and go to market and sell your market.”
Despite the notice, authorities have not announced any relocation programme, alternative trading site, or compensation package for those who will be affected by the exercise.
This has raised concerns among traders and observers who fear the move could disrupt livelihoods without providing practical alternatives.
The planned clearance comes amid a series of enforcement actions across Lagos. Recently, the Oshodi Resettlement Market was shut down indefinitely following reports that some traders attacked sanitation officials and damaged government vehicles during an operation.
Similar exercises in other parts of the state have also generated controversy. In several communities, residents affected by demolition and clearance programmes have complained about displacement and inadequate notice before enforcement actions were carried out.
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For the government, the removal of the Alaba Rago roadside market is part of a broader effort to improve traffic flow, sanitation, and urban planning standards.
However, critics argue that long-term solutions should include proper relocation arrangements and support for affected traders.
