Street trading has become an integral part of the Lagos hustle.

Incessant traffic jams and congestion provide a ready market for sellers to provide their goods and services to commuters.

The mobile traders on major streets and highways are predominantly young men. On their shoulders, they bear everything from drinks and sausage rolls to floor mats and bed linen.

Fruit sellers, mostly women, hang around pedestrian bridges and bus stops: wherever the gridlock will make selling more profitable.

Buying on the street is particularly convenient for car and bus commuters, who can spend several hours in traffic.

Street selling has nevertheless been a contentious issue in Lagos over the years. Children under 14 sell openly leaving them vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse.

There have also been several cases of these street traders and hawkers being knocked down by vehicles.

In 2016, a hawker was killed by an articulated truck while trying to evade arrest from officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) along Maryland Bus stop within the metropolis.

The Lagos State Government while reacting to the incident said as from July 1, 2016, it would commence a total enforcement against street trading and street hawkers.

It said that the law banning their activities across the metropolis would take its full course.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode said that the renewed enforcement is in line with Section One of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law 2003.

The Governor, while sympathizing with the family of a street hawker, regretted that the situation led to the destruction of public assets.

It is however surprising that 26 months after the state government made the declaration, street traders and hawkers are still having a field day.

When Bounce News visited some major areas in the metropolis, street traders and hawkers were seen doing what they know how to do best.

Some hawkers all sweaty, had goods well balanced on their shoulders and heads while beckoning on potential buyers.

The speed at which they run after a potential buyer that has signified interest in their goods could make Usain Bolt envious.

It is at the same speed they take flight when they sight officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LASECORPS).

Source: http://news.bounce.ng/Content/bounceexclusive-street-trading-and-hawking-vice-or-venture-20170921

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