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The Lagos State Government has announced plans to bring back the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, which was suspended several years ago, with full implementation expected to commence by March.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Sunday during an inspection tour of parts of Lagos Island, explaining that consultations were ongoing to fix a date that would be suitable for all stakeholders.
According to Wahab, the government is finalising logistics and engagement plans to ensure a smooth reintroduction of the exercise, adding that the initiative could even begin earlier than March.
“The truth is, we were supposed to start last week, but we encountered some logistical challenges. We need to agree on a day that works for everyone,” he said.
“I strongly believe that we will begin sometime in March, and it could even be earlier. We are actively engaging stakeholders, and once everything is concluded, the date will be communicated to the public,” Wahab added.
The monthly sanitation exercise, which used to hold on the last Saturday of every month between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., was discontinued in November 2016 due to concerns over restricting movement in a megacity like Lagos. However, worsening environmental conditions, including clogged drainage systems and indiscriminate dumping of refuse, have renewed calls for its reinstatement.
Addressing the state’s persistent waste management issues, Wahab stressed that tougher actions would be taken against individuals and groups who violate environmental regulations. He noted that the problem is more about discipline than lack of waste disposal infrastructure.
“We do not have a waste problem; we have a discipline problem. People deliberately choose to act irresponsibly. We have engaged LAWMA management, and this time, we will take decisive actions,” he said.
“We are going to make some tough decisions along key corridors, and we will not stop there. Many traders in some of the markets are the main culprits. They have waste bins, but they refuse to use them, choosing instead to dump refuse indiscriminately and damage road medians. From tomorrow, we will start applying strict enforcement measures,” Wahab warned.
The commissioner also provided updates on the ongoing regeneration project on Lagos Island, urging residents and business owners to remain patient as work continues. He explained that significant progress has been made despite initial challenges.
“The regeneration of Lagos Island has been ongoing for several months. There was a time when some areas were almost inaccessible, especially during the rains, but there has been visible improvement,” he said.
During the inspection tour, Wahab and his team visited several locations, including Oja Oba Underbridge, Idumota Underbridge, Aroloya Street, and nearby areas, where beautification and infrastructure enhancement projects are underway.
Explaining the purpose of the visit, Wahab said the team was assessing proposals for the formal use and redevelopment of the Oja Oba underbridge under public-private partnership and corporate social responsibility arrangements.
“We don’t just sit in our offices and give approvals. We had to come here, assess the designs, suggest adjustments, and ensure that what will be done truly adds value before final approvals are granted,” he stated.
He further revealed that similar regeneration efforts are ongoing in areas such as Obalende and Ijora, with more projects lined up across the state. According to him, the ministry’s strategy involves clearing and rehabilitating areas while simultaneously pursuing long-term solutions.
“As we clear these spaces, we also engage partners and review designs to ensure sustainable development. Projects will be executed in phases, not all at once,” Wahab explained.
Members of the inspection team included senior officials from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and representatives of key agencies such as the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LASWMO), and Lagos State Water Corporation (LASWACO), among others.
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