The Lagos State Government has announced plans to reintroduce the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, previously suspended in 2016, as part of renewed efforts to tackle waste management issues and prevent flooding across the state.
Speaking during an inspection tour of Idi-Araba, Orile Iganmu, and Alaba Rago in Ojo Local Government Area, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed that the proposal is under serious consideration by the State Executive Council (EXCO).
“Lagos is strongly considering reintroducing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Once approved by EXCO, the Governor will officially announce the re-launch. It’s long overdue,” Wahab stated.
Why the Sanitation Exercise May Return
The once-monthly cleanup, held on the last Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., was suspended in November 2016 due to challenges posed by restricting movement in a megacity. However, rising concerns over clogged drainage, indiscriminate waste dumping, and flooding have prompted calls for its return.
Zero Tolerance for Environmental Violations Ahead of Sallah
With the Sallah festival approaching, Wahab issued a stern warning against the sale of rams and livestock on highways, emphasizing that only designated markets will be allowed for such activities.
“Trading on highways is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” he said.
The commissioner also disclosed ongoing investigations into illegal cart-pushing syndicates operating in areas like Idi-Araba. He stressed that cart-pushing remains banned under Lagos environmental laws and assured intensified enforcement.
Major Clean-Up and Enforcement Actions
During the tour, Wahab identified:
An abandoned dumpsite in Idi-Araba is still in use by illegal operators
Unregulated trading under the Daleko Bridge
Traders at Alaba Rago Market are dumping waste on road medians and drainage channels
“They’ve turned the median into a dumpsite. If they don’t comply by Monday evening, the market will be sealed,” he warned.
Wahab ordered the deployment of swamp buggies to clear the blocked Iganmu Channel, which has been clogged due to illegal waste disposal.
100 LAWMA Trucks Deployed
To address lapses in refuse collection, over 100 LAWMA trucks have been deployed to support areas where Private Sector Participants (PSPs) are underperforming.
“Residents must take ownership of public infrastructure and stop illegal dumping,” Wahab urged.
He also encouraged Lagosians to bag waste properly, avoid dumping on medians or drains, and work with licensed PSP operators.
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Inspection Coverage and Key Officials
The inspection tour covered:
- Ojerinde, Ewunmi, Wonuola, Takuro, Paul Okuntola, and Taiwo Streets (Idi-Araba)
- Alaba Rago Market (Badagry Expressway, Ojo LGA)
- Iganmu Channel (Orile-Iganmu)
- Officials who joined the commissioner include:
- Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser on Environment
- Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, MD, LAWMA
- Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Perm. Sec., Drainage Services
- Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, GM, LASWMO
- Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd), Corps Marshal, KAI
Conclusion
The possible reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise reflects Lagos State’s renewed commitment to a cleaner and flood-free city. Residents are urged to support the initiative by adhering to environmental laws and maintaining a culture of cleanliness.
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