Ogun task force warns against encroachment at Kara market, re-enacts five-metre setback order

The Ogun State Government task force under the Ministry of Environment has carried out a follow-up inspection at Kara Market to assess compliance with the directive mandating a five-metre setback along the market corridor.

The Acting Chairman of the task force, Hon. Tolu Poviwhede, disclosed this during the inspection visit, which came two weeks after an earlier exercise in which the market leadership was directed to create a five-metre setback. The directive forms part of the state government’s efforts to promote environmental safety, orderly trading and ease of movement, particularly during the festive season.

Poviwhede, who also serves as Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, said the team observed that some traders had re-encroached on the setback despite earlier warnings.

“On our second visitation, we observed that some traders had again encroached on the five-metre setback we directed them to create during our last visit,” he said. “Although there was initial resistance, after dialogue and deliberations, the five-metre setback was restored and full compliance was achieved.”

He explained that the exercise was aimed at protecting lives, improving environmental standards and ensuring the free flow of traffic along the market corridor during the festive period.

The acting chairman urged traders and market leaders to support the state government’s environmental initiatives by ensuring sustained compliance with all laid-down regulations.