The Lagos State Government is considering reinstating the suspended monthly environmental sanitation exercise as part of efforts to address worsening waste management and environmental degradation across the state.
Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, disclosed this during an inspection tour of Idi-Araba, Orile-Iganmu, and Alaba Rago Market in Ojo Local Government Area on Sunday.
Wahab stated that discussions are ongoing at the State Executive Council level regarding the reintroduction of the exercise, which was suspended in November 2016.
“We are actively deliberating the return of the monthly sanitation programme. Once the Executive Council approves it, His Excellency, the Governor, will make an official announcement,” Wahab said. “It is long overdue. We must make environmental hygiene a daily habit, not just a monthly ritual.”
The exercise, previously observed on the last Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., was discontinued due to challenges in restricting movement within the busy metropolis. However, persistent issues such as blocked drainage systems and indiscriminate refuse disposal have revived calls for its return.
As part of pre-Sallah preparations, Wahab issued a stern warning to livestock traders, emphasizing that the sale of rams and other animals must be confined to approved markets.
“Selling livestock on highways is not only illegal but dangerous. The government will enforce existing environmental laws strictly, and violators will face penalties,” he said.
The commissioner also decried illegal refuse dumping, revealing that a syndicate operating around Idi-Araba was behind unauthorized waste disposal and cart-pushing — a practice already outlawed in the state.
“Cart pushing is prohibited in Lagos, and there is a legal framework backing this ban. We’ve intensified enforcement and will continue to dismantle illegal waste operations,” Wahab added.
During the inspection, an abandoned dumpsite in Idi-Araba was found still in use by cart pushers, prompting Wahab to label it an environmental hazard. He also ordered the cessation of trading activities under the Daleko Bridge.
At Alaba Rago Market, traders who had encroached on road medians and drainage channels were directed to move back into the designated market area or risk closure of the market.
“They’ve turned public spaces into dumping grounds and trading zones. We’ve given them until Monday evening to comply, or the market will be sealed,” he warned, adding that the market leadership had promised to enforce compliance.
In Orile-Iganmu, Wahab directed the immediate deployment of swamp buggies to clear the clogged Iganmu drainage channel, which had been obstructed due to indiscriminate waste dumping, impeding the free flow of stormwater.
To bolster waste management efforts, over 100 trucks from the Lagos Waste Management Authority have been dispatched to locations where Private Sector Participants (PSPs) are reportedly underperforming.
“While we’re stepping in where necessary, residents must also take responsibility. Proper waste disposal starts from the home. Waste must be bagged and handed over to accredited PSP operators,” Wahab stressed.
The commissioner’s entourage included several key officials, such as Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; LAWMA Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; Corps Marshal of KAI, Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd); and LASWMO General Manager, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi.
Wahab reaffirmed the state’s commitment to fostering a cleaner, safer, and flood-free environment, urging Lagosians to support the government’s efforts by adhering to environmental guidelines.
“Our vision is a sustainable Lagos. But this cannot be achieved without the active cooperation of the people,” he concluded.
