Lagos revives monthly sanitation to tackle environmental concerns - Wahab
By Zainab Olufemi The Lagos State Government has said the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise is aimed at restoring a culture of cleanliness among residents. Commissioner for the
By Zainab Olufemi
The Lagos State Government has said the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise is aimed at restoring a culture of cleanliness among residents.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known while featuring on TVC’s breakfast programme, ‘Your View.’
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He explained that the decision was driven by mounting environmental challenges across the state.
According to him, “when a problem becomes existential for the citizens, government must take unusual steps.”
Wahab noted that the exercise is designed to revive routine cleaning of surroundings and drainage systems, a practice he said was widespread more than a decade ago. He announced that the sanitation exercise will commence on the last Saturday of April, running from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
The commissioner recalled that the programme was previously suspended following a legal challenge by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who questioned the legality of restricting movement during sanitation hours. He, however, said the government secured a favourable ruling at the Court of Appeal, which upheld the validity of the law.
Wahab expressed concern over what he described as a gradual decline in sanitation practices among residents, leading to worsening environmental conditions. He stressed that a megacity like Lagos, with an estimated population of about 22 million, cannot sustain such a trend.
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“In the coming weeks, we will engage key stakeholders, including local government officials, community development associations, market leaders, and transport unions, to ensure effective participation,” he said.
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The commissioner described the environment as a shared heritage, urging residents to take responsibility for its protection.
He added that the state government has implemented several measures to tackle flooding, including investment in drainage infrastructure and the ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics.
Wahab also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to promote waste-to-wealth and waste-to-energy initiatives to reduce pressure on landfill sites.
He said the Olusosun dumpsite is being decommissioned, while new landfill sites have been established at Erekiti in Badagry and Oke-Oso in Epe.
Wahab urged residents to adopt proper waste management practices, noting that waste can be harnessed as a resource for economic benefit.
