The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift O. Worlu, has reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to restoring order, safety, and cleanliness with the ongoing enforcement of a total ban on street and roadside trading around the Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover and along Rumuodomaya Road leading to the Council Secretariat.
In a press update issued on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, the Chairman disclosed that the directive, earlier showing announced on January 19, 2026, remains in full force and effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays.
According to the Council, the ban covers all forms of market activities, street trading, roadside vending, and hawking within the affected corridor. The policy is aimed at enhancing public safety and security, reducing traffic congestion and obstruction of walkways, preventing accidents, curbing criminal activities associated with unregulated trading, and improving urban aesthetics and environmental cleanliness across the Local Government Area.
Hon. Dr. Worlu noted that the Council’s Enforcement Task Force, working in collaboration with relevant security agencies, has commenced strict monitoring and compliance operations in the designated areas. He described the early outcomes of the enforcement exercise as positive, with noticeable improvement in traffic flow, cleanliness, and orderliness.
The Task Force has apprehended several individuals found violating the ban by engaging in illegal street trading and hawking. In line with the Council’s enforcement approach, which emphasizes fairness and strict adherence to existing laws, the offenders were cautioned and made to sign formal undertakings pledging not to repeat the offence.
The individuals identified include Atata Faith, Bariledum Ntornebari, Mrs. Theresa Nkama, Christy Clement, Yusuf Rabiu, Ruben Wealth, Chioma Allison, Njoku Ann, Ambros Benedicta, and Ngozichi Owoke.
The Council confirmed that the offenders paid the prescribed administrative fines and are currently undergoing three days of mandatory community service with the Environmental Sanitation Unit of the Local Government. The community service involves cleaning public spaces, waste collection, and other sanitation-related activities.
The Chairman further warned that shop owners who aid, abet, or permit traders to display or sell goods in front of their shops or stalls will also be penalized for complicity.
The enforcement exercise, he added, forms part of a broader initiative to tackle street trading and related challenges in other areas of the Local Government, including Rumuola, Rumuolumeni, Choba, Rumuokwuta, Ozuoba, Rumuosi/Rumuekini, Rumukwurushi, and Artillery/Woji.
Hon. Dr. Worlu emphasized that the ban is non-negotiable, with no waivers or special permissions granted. He urged residents, traders, shop owners, community leaders, market associations, and security agencies to cooperate fully with the Council in ensuring sustained compliance.
“This measure is in the collective interest of all residents. Compliance is mandatory for the safety, security, and aesthetic improvement of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area,” the Chairman stated.
The Council reiterated that all affected areas must remain completely free of any form of trading at all times.
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