Good afternoon, residents, traders, community leaders, market associations, traditional rulers, youth groups, and all stakeholders of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Following my personal on-site assessment and direct interface with traders, motorists, community leaders, and stakeholders at Rumuokwurusi Market (popularly known as Oil Mill Market) and its surrounding environs on Monday, 26th January, 2026, where I witnessed firsthand the persistent roadside encroachments and associated challenges across the axis, I hereby reaffirm the total and immediate ban on all forms of street trading, hawking, roadside vending, unauthorized extensions, and market activities in and around Rumuokwurusi (Oil Mill) Market, including Elelenwo, Igbo-Etche, and all other surrounding axis within and outside the immediate market area.
To ensure strict, sustained, and uncompromising compliance with this order, a formidable Special Joint Enforcement Task Force has been constituted, comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Air Force, and the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council Enforcement Team. This multi-agency task force is fully empowered and actively deployed to decisively address this issue and maintain public order across the affected corridors.
This directive forms part of our administration’s sustained efforts to:
• Enhance public security and reduce security risks,
• Prevent road traffic accidents and ensure commuter safety,
• Improve traffic flow and decongest major roads,
• Restore cleanliness, order, and aesthetic appeal to our Local Government Area.
To achieve full compliance, the following directives are hereby issued:
1. All traders, shop operators, and affected persons are granted a two-week grace period (from 29th January, 2026, to 11th February, 2026) to voluntarily demolish, remove, or relocate all illegal projections, temporary structures, extensions, roadside displays, stored goods, or any encroachments outside the designated fence/boundary of Rumuokwurusi (Oil Mill) Market and its surrounding axis. This includes walkways, road setbacks, and verges along Elelenwo, Igbo-Etche Road, and adjacent areas.
●Failure to comply within this period shall result in immediate demolition of these illegal structures by the Council at the sole expense of the defaulter(s). All costs incurred by the Council in effecting such demolition, clearance, and restoration shall be fully recovered from the offending party(ies) without exception.
●After this period, strict enforcement will commence without further notice or leniency, involving:
• Seizure and forfeiture of goods,
• Imposition of fines,
• Prosecution under relevant bye-laws,
• Mandatory community service where applicable.
●As a demonstration of our commitment to fair but firm enforcement, a total of 15 persons (including traders and transporters) were recently arrested for violations in the affected areas. As first-time offenders, they have been made to sign undertakings and will undergo three days of community service. We expect this measured approach to serve as a deterrent to others and encourage voluntary compliance during the grace period.
2. Community leaders, traditional rulers, market associations, youth presidents, and other stakeholders are urgently called upon to disseminate this update widely within their spheres of influence. Your active role in sensitizing traders, encouraging compliance, and facilitating orderly relocation is vital. This cooperative approach will help avert confrontations, minimize hardships, and ensure the initiative succeeds for the collective benefit of our dear Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Enforcement remains active and expanding across the Local Government Area, including but not limited to Rumuola, Rumuekini, Choba, Rumuokwuta, Ozuoba, Artillery/Woji, Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover corridor, Rumuokwurusi (Oil Mill) axis with extensions to Elelenwo, Igbo-Etche Road, and other surrounding hotspots. Shop owners permitting or enabling roadside displays will equally face sanctions.
This is a fair, firm, lawful, and people-centered measure designed to protect lives, safeguard property, promote safer commerce within designated markets, and foster a more organized, prosperous Obio/Akpor. The Council remains open to constructive dialogue on transitional challenges and will continue prioritizing the welfare of residents and legitimate businesses.
I urge full compliance and support from traders, residents, commuters, security agencies, and all stakeholders.
Together, we can build a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Obio/Akpor.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Signed
Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu
Chairman
Obio/Akpor Local Government Area
