Regulation of Street Trading and the Law: Municipal Authority Powers in Ibadan

Street trading is an integral component of the informal urban economy in Nigerian cities, providing livelihoods for millions of low-income households. However, municipalities frequently exercise powers to restrict or criminalise street vending, raising fundamental questions about the legality of such actions and their human rights implications for informal traders. This research examines the legal powers of municipal authorities to regulate street trading in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State and one of the largest cities in West Africa. A socio-legal research design was adopted, combining analysis of the Oyo State Urban and Regional Planning Law and Ibadan Municipal bylaws with fieldwork conducted among street traders and local government enforcement officers. Structured interviews and observational data were collected from traders in Dugbe, Gbagi, and Bodija markets between 2022 and 2024. Secondary sources include academic literature on urban governance and property rights. The findings reveal that enforcement actions are frequently conducted without adequate legal notice, and confiscation of goods often occurs without a clear statutory basis or opportunity for judicial review. Traders from marginalised communities are disproportionately targeted. Recommendations include the adoption of clear statutory definitions of permitted trading areas, the introduction of trader licensing schemes, and independent review mechanisms for enforcement decisions. This study offers practical legal guidance for urban governance reform in South West Nigeria. Keywords: street trading, municipal authority, Ibadan, informal economy, property rights.