The Lagos State Government is set to reinstate the suspended monthly environmental sanitation exercise as part of renewed efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal, flooding, and environmental degradation across the state.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed during an extensive inspection tour on Sunday of Idi-Araba, Orile Iganmu, and Alaba Rago in Ojo Local Government Area.
“Lagos is strongly considering reintroducing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise,” Wahab said. “Once approved by the State Executive Council (EXCO), the Governor will officially announce the re-launch. It’s long overdue.”
The monthly exercise, typically held on the last Saturday of each month between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., was suspended in November 2016, due to concerns over its impact on movement in Nigeria’s busiest city.
However, worsening environmental issues—including blocked drains, illegal refuse dumping, and street trading—have renewed public calls for its return.
Clampdown on Illegal Activities
As the Sallah celebrations approach, Wahab declared a zero-tolerance policy on the sale of rams and other livestock on highways, warning that violators would face strict penalties.
“Livestock sellers must operate only within designated markets. Trading on highways is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The commissioner also revealed that a syndicate involved in illegal waste dumping and cart-pushing had been traced around the Idi-Araba area, insisting that the activities pose a major environmental threat.
“Cart pushing is banned in Lagos. There is a law against it. We have intensified enforcement and will continue to crack down on these activities.”
Enforcement at Markets and Waterways
At Alaba Rago Market, Wahab expressed concern over traders who have encroached on road medians and drainage channels, converting public infrastructure into waste dumping grounds.
“They’ve turned the median into a dumpsite and extended trading onto the roads. We’ve given them till Monday evening to comply, or the market will be sealed.”
He also ordered the deployment of swamp buggies to clear the blocked Iganmu Channel, clogged by indiscriminate dumping, and announced that over 100 LAWMA trucks have been deployed to support PSP operators in underperforming areas.
“We’re intervening where necessary, but residents must take ownership of infrastructure and stop illegal waste disposal.”
Wahab emphasized that the state government is committed to sustainable environmental practices, urging Lagosians to bag waste properly, avoid dumping in drains, and patronize only registered PSP operators.
Areas Inspected
The inspection covered:
-
Ojerinde Street, Ewunmi Street, Wonuola Street, Takuro Street, Paul Okuntola Street, Taiwo Street (Idi-Araba)
-
Alaba Rago Market
-
Iganmu Channel
Wahab was accompanied by:
-
Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser on Environment
-
Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary for Drainage Services
-
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA
-
Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd), Corps Marshal of KAI
-
Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, GM of LASWMO
Final Word
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to building a cleaner, safer, and flood-free Lagos, and called on residents to support the initiative by obeying environmental laws and embracing cleanliness as a daily lifestyle.
