As the countdown to Eid-el-Kabir begins, the Lagos State Government has dropped a major warning that is already causing serious buzz among traders and residents across the city. If you planned on buying or displaying rams by the roadside this festive season, you may need to think twice.
The government has officially declared war against the sale and display of rams and other livestock on highways, road medians, and unauthorized public spaces ahead of the Sallah celebration.
Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made it crystal clear that authorities would not tolerate activities capable of causing traffic congestion, environmental pollution, or public safety risks during the festive period.
According to the commissioner, traders are strictly prohibited from displaying or selling rams in places such as major roads, highway medians, lay-bys, parks, gardens, and other public areas across Lagos State. He stressed that while livestock business naturally increases during Eid-el-Kabir, operators must move their activities to government-approved locations and comply with environmental guidelines.
The warning is not ending there.
The Lagos government has also revealed plans to intensify enforcement operations against illegal street trading, unauthorized stalls, and people converting open spaces into illegal markets or dumping grounds. Officials say anyone caught violating environmental regulations could face serious sanctions.
In a strong message to residents, Wahab urged Lagosians to obey environmental laws voluntarily, emphasizing that the government is fully prepared to clamp down on offenders during the festive season.
Meanwhile, residents planning animal slaughter for Sallah have also been advised to keep their environment clean. The commissioner encouraged families to properly bag waste generated from slaughtering and processing animals and dispose of it through approved waste collection points managed by the Lagos Waste Management Authority.
The government says these measures are part of broader efforts to stop indiscriminate refuse dumping and maintain cleaner, healthier communities across Lagos. Authorities believe a cleaner environment plays a major role in public health, social wellbeing, and economic growth.
Despite the strict warning, the commissioner still extended warm Eid-el-Kabir wishes to Muslim faithful and encouraged residents to enjoy the festive season responsibly by visiting approved parks and recreational centres with their families.
But one thing is now clear — this Sallah season, Lagos authorities are not joking around when it comes to roadside ram trading.
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