The Lagos State Government on Friday began the clampdown on activities of street traders and hawkers. The announcement was made by the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who said the enforcement is in line with Section One of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market
Prohibition Law 2003 which restricts street trading and hawking in the
metropolis.
The pronouncement, which came apparently after an incident that occurred in the State when a hawker was trying to evade arrest from the Officials of the kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and got knocked down by an oncoming vehicle, has generated so much controversies and this has got a lot of citizens of the State and even those outside the State talking.
As the saying goes, "there are two sides to a coin". While some have been solidly against the total prohibition of street hawking and trading in the metropolis, some have also shared the Governor's concern.
"Whichever way we try to rationalize it, street hawking can never be a good thing. Just as many have been sponsored to school from financial proceeds of street hawking, we also have many, who have lost their lives after been attacked by armed robbers disguised as street hawkers. I appreciate that many of the street hawkers are victims of Nigeria's economic woes. However tacit endorsement of this act cannot in anyway be justified. Two wrongs don't make a right. Are we saying that because the economy is so bad and many have resorted to illegal business activity, then the govt should fold its hands and allow illegality to perpetuate? This is not the time for emotional sentiments. Engaging in an illegal activity in order to make ends meet cannot be an excuse for govt not to take action."
- Je N'Wi Temi
There is plan by the
government to make the State a cosmopolitan City. Hence, security will be
topmost on their agenda and therefore it is okay because some
unscrupulous agents use hawking as a medium to rob citizens. On the
other hand, the government should also strike a balance. Before such
pronouncement is made, there should be programmes in place structured
to alleviate poverty which has always been the issue and reason why
people engage in street hawking and trading activities.
- Mrs. Kafilat Olakojo
Well, on the highway I do not think hawking should be allowed but I think it is okay on the streets. The highway is a no, no! Also, robbery can easily be done using hawkers.
- Balogun Oluwasegun
"Bearing in mind the economic reality of this
country and impoverished lives of those hawking on streets, the policy
needs further review. There ought to have been some palliative measures that will serve as alternatives for street hawkers. The issue is similar to two sides of a coin.
Street hawking has some life-threatening disadvantages. But what will
become of a woman hawker whose business was destroyed without other
better or similar options."
- Prince Sanda Ayobami
In my own opinion, hawking on its own has poised dangers to the lives of many children and
even constituted a nuisance to our society. If the Government can
look out to enforce having a particular age group to be seen hawking and not children who are of school age or the aged (elderly people) hawking
on streets. On another hand, one could disagree as no one
chooses street hawking out of choice. Or does any reasonable mother
pray for his/her child to become an hawker?
- Oluwaseunfunmi Popoola
It is an introduction to crime. The truth is that hawkers can sometimes be
aiding crime, but total prohibition of hawking will greatly increase the
rate of crime in Lagos state as people will be left with no choice than to
go into stealing. The govt should be able to make alternative source of
income for those affected by this prohibition.
- Temitope Humble
It is coming as a response to the destruction of over 40 BRT buses by people last week. For me, that is the only option govt has to make for its loss. However, the law affects those on major highways.
- Akinola Dhikrullah
