The Cross River State Government has banned roadside mechanic workshops and street trading across parts of Calabar metropolis, directing affected operators to relocate their businesses to designated locations by October 31, 2026.
The directive was announced by the Commissioner for Environment, Bassey Mensah, during an on-the-spot inspection of business areas, erosion sites and other locations in Calabar on Monday.
According to a report by Premium Times, the commissioner said roadside mechanics and traders were obstructing the free movement of pedestrians and vehicles, while their activities were contributing to environmental degradation in the state capital.
Areas visited during the inspection included Kings Street, White House, Bedwell, Punch, Victor Akan and adjoining streets, where affected operators were told to move their businesses to approved locations.
Mensah warned that roadside mechanic activities could expose residents and workers to harmful chemicals, stressing the need to protect public health and restore environmental order.
He said improved sanitation remained important to creating a cleaner and safer environment for residents, adding that the government was committed to addressing environmental problems associated with roadside workshops and street trading.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government would collaborate with the Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project as part of efforts to tackle environmental degradation.
Meanwhile, Ndem Effiong, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Bassey Otu on the Automobile Technician Regulatory Department, called for a clear separation between vehicle sales and mechanic operations.
Effiong expressed concern over the environmental damage associated with mechanics carrying out their activities on public streets.
The government said the inspection formed part of ongoing efforts to improve sanitation, enforce environmental regulations and sensitise residents on the need to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
The October 31 deadline gives affected roadside mechanics and traders time to relocate their operations from the streets to designated places.
However, the implementation of the directive will be important in determining how the affected business owners adjust to the new order while continuing to earn their livelihoods.
The government is expected to enforce the restriction as part of its efforts to improve traffic movement, sanitation and environmental conditions across Calabar metropolis.
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