26, May 2026
The Lagos State Government has warned residents against selling or displaying rams and other livestock on highways, road medians, lay-bys, gardens, parks, and any other unauthorised public spaces as preparations for Eid-el-Kabir get underway.
Officials said the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to keep the state orderly, protect public infrastructure, and maintain a clean and safe environment during the Sallah celebrations.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the position clear during a media briefing in his office on Monday. He stressed that environmental laws will be fully enforced across Lagos without exception.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, the government reminded residents that laws prohibiting street trading remain in force. No special concessions will be made for illegal livestock markets that usually emerge ahead of the ‘Ileya’ festivities.
Muslim faithful celebrating Eid-el-Kabir were urged to observe proper hygiene, bag their waste correctly, and dispose of it only at designated collection points for pickup by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
Wahab said the state will take a hard stance on environmental violations during the holiday period and warned that defaulters will face sanctions.
“Let me restate government’s resolve to firmly apply regulatory and enforcement measures against contraventions of environmental laws and regulations. I enjoin residents to voluntarily comply with the extant state environmental laws,” he said.
He advised residents to use approved parks and recreation centres for leisure during the holidays, cautioning against converting roadsides and public spaces into makeshift livestock markets or stalls.
The commissioner also reminded Lagosians that indiscriminate waste dumping, erection of illegal structures, and unhygienic surroundings attract penalties, adding that keeping the environment clean is a shared duty.
While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful, Wahab said the state aims to allow festive activities to proceed without compromising environmental standards or public safety. He noted that uncontrolled trading and waste dumping often lead to traffic congestion, pollution, and safety hazards.
In a related development, the Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
