The Lagos State Government has announced plans to reintroduce the suspended monthly environmental sanitation exercise, as part of a comprehensive initiative to create a cleaner, safer, and flood-free city.
This development was revealed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection tour across various areas including Idi-Araba, Orile Iganmu, and Alaba Rago in Ojo Local Government Area.
Wahab emphasized that sanitation must become a daily culture among residents. He stated that the State Executive Council (EXCO) is currently reviewing the return of the monthly sanitation exercise.
“Lagos is strongly considering reintroducing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Once EXCO approves, the Governor will make the official announcement. This initiative is long overdue,” Wahab said.
The monthly sanitation exercise, which used to take place on the last Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., was suspended in November 2016 due to the logistical challenges of restricting movement in a rapidly growing megacity.
However, with the resurgence of waste management issues—such as clogged drains and indiscriminate dumping—the government is being prompted to reinstate the exercise.
In light of the forthcoming Sallah festival, the Commissioner declared a zero-tolerance policy towards the sale of rams and other livestock on highways. He warned that offenders would be sanctioned in accordance with the state’s environmental laws.
“Livestock sellers must restrict their operations to designated markets. Trading on highways is illegal and unacceptable,” he warned.
During the inspection, Wahab disclosed intelligence findings linking a syndicate to illegal waste dumping and banned cart-pushing activities, particularly in the Idi-Araba area.
“Cart-pushing is prohibited in Lagos. There is an existing law against it. We’ve intensified enforcement and will continue our crackdown on such illegal practices,” he stated.
He pointed out an abandoned dumpsite in Idi-Araba that is still being used by cart pushers, labeling it a major environmental hazard that the government will address. Likewise, he assured that illegal trading activities under the Daleko Bridge would be halted.
At Alaba Rago Market, Wahab issued a stern warning to traders encroaching on road medians and drainage systems. He ordered them to move their businesses back into the market premises or risk market closure.
“They have converted the median into a dumpsite and extended trading onto the road. We have given them a deadline until Monday evening to comply. Failure to do so will result in market closure,” he warned.
While acknowledging that the market leadership has committed to addressing the violations, Wahab made it clear that the government will take action if compliance is not achieved.
In Orile-Iganmu, he ordered the immediate deployment of swamp buggies to clear the heavily clogged Iganmu Channel, which has been obstructing the flow of stormwater due to indiscriminate waste disposal.
To enhance waste management efficiency, Wahab disclosed that over 100 LAWMA trucks have been deployed across the state, especially in areas where Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators are underperforming.
“We’re stepping in where necessary, but residents must take responsibility for public infrastructure and avoid illegal waste disposal,” he urged.
He also advised residents to bag their waste properly, refrain from dumping refuse on road medians and in drainage systems, and ensure they patronize only licensed PSP operators.
The commissioner’s inspection covered several locations, including Ojerinde Street, Ewunmi Street, Wonuola Street, Takuro Street, Paul Okuntola Street, and Taiwo Street (all in Idi-Araba), Alaba Rago Market (Badagry Expressway, Ojo LGA), and the Iganmu Channel in Orile-Iganmu.
Wahab was accompanied by several key officials, including Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu (Special Adviser on Environment), Engr. Mahamood Adegbite (Permanent Secretary, Drainage Services), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin (Managing Director, LAWMA), Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd) (Corps Marshal, KAI), and Engr. Adefemi Afolabi (General Manager, LASWMO).
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable environment and called on all residents to comply with environmental regulations and support the initiative for the collective benefit of the state.