By Ebenezer Mabinuola

As I went through this thread below, I had mixed emotions:
https://www.nairaland.com/7960125/lagos-government-seizes-goods-displayed/1

On one hand, I was concerned about the source of livelihood of people being carted away.

On another hand, I was concerned about these repeated raids that seemed not to be addressing the root cause of street trading in Lagos.

Many elements within the mix needs to be examined to understudy why street trading is a norm in Lagos.

One factor that encourages street trading is the cost of rent for these traders. Many of these street traders cannot afford to rent shops. As such, they pitch their tent beside the roads, causing traffic to cars and passer by.

Another factor is the daily tickets. Every individual who sells by the road side has specific amounts they pay for space.

Whether you use a table, use nylon on bare floor or even hang your wares around your neck standing, YOU MUST PAY.

I remember seeing someone last December selling belts by the road side being given ticket.
Many claim these tickets are controlled by the Local government/ friends of the Local government in those areas.

THE BIG QUESTION
When these goods ( perishable and non-perishable) are seized, what really happens to them at the office?

Is Seizing the goods instead of proferring a lasting solution not increasing poverty index among these traders and their families?

Considering solutions that last rather than subjecting the erring traders into deeper poverty is the best thing to do.

The question then would be: Is the government ready to go all out to address this issue without making the people poorer?

Photo credit- Guardian