Petty Trading Around New Abibatu Mogaji Shopping Complex Prohibited

As a step towards forestalling a reoccurrence of the fracas that broke out between ‘Area boys’ and members of Market Task Force (MTF) at the newly constructed Abibatu Mogaji Textile Shopping complex, Oshodi, penultimate week, the Lagos State governor, Raji Fashola, has directed that petty trading around the complex should no longer be allowed.

Mr. Abduwahil Ashafa, a market supervisor, who spoke to M2 during a visit at the market which was reportedly closed indefinitely last week, said, “Our commandant and the leadership of the Area boys were summoned by the governor and it was decided that petty trading around the complex should no more be allowed.” He explained that the fight broke out when an attempt by the area boys to collect tolls from the traders who usually display their wares around the entrances of the complex towards evening period was resisted by the members of MTF who, according to Abduwahil, were protecting the traders.

However, some traders who spoke to M2 said that the matter was resolved almost immediately as it came to the knowledge of the governor who promptly deployed security men to the spot and summoned the leadership of the parties involved. According to them, the market was reopened the following day.

Meanwhile in what looks like the enforcement of the decision, the Enforcement Unit, Ministry of the Environment, stormed the Oshodi Road axis of the market last week to demolish illegal shop extensions and evacuate roadside traders.