The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced plans to reintroduce the monthly sanitation exercise as early as March, amid growing concerns over worsening waste management and environmental violations across the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that the exercise, initially scheduled to resume last week, was delayed due to logistics challenges.
“We were meant to start last week, but we had a logistics issue. We are engaging stakeholders and will communicate a date acceptable to all very soon. I strongly believe that sometime in March, we should begin,” he said.
The move comes as clogged drainage systems, flooding risks, and indiscriminate refuse dumping continue to raise alarm across Lagos.
Lagos Waste Management Crisis: ‘It’s a Discipline Problem’ — Commissioner
Addressing the waste crisis in Lagos, Wahab stressed that the state’s environmental challenges stem more from public indiscipline than infrastructure gaps.
“We just have a discipline problem, not a waste problem,” he stated.
The commissioner revealed that discussions have been held with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), adding that government would adopt stricter enforcement measures against offenders.
Stronger Enforcement Against Environmental Violators
LASG plans to:
Sanction traders who dump refuse indiscriminately
Clamp down on markets along major corridors
Penalise individuals destroying road medians
Enforce proper waste disposal regulations
“We will start wielding the big stick,” Wahab warned, signalling tougher penalties for violators.
Lagos Island Regeneration Project Gains Momentum
Beyond enforcement, LASG highlighted progress in its ongoing Lagos Island regeneration project, aimed at improving drainage systems and restoring environmental order.
Wahab urged residents to remain patient, noting visible improvements in previously flood-prone areas.
“A while back, we had to wear rain boots in these areas, but there is progress now.”
Oja Oba Underbridge Beautification: PPP and CSR Partnerships Underway
As part of urban renewal efforts, the commissioner led ministry officials to inspect the Oja Oba Underbridge, where beautification plans are underway through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“We don’t just sit and give approvals. We came to review designs and recommend adjustments before final approval,” he explained.
Completed and Ongoing Underbridge Projects
LASG confirmed progress on:
Obalende Underbridge (completed)
Ijora Underbridge (completed, with a CSR-funded football pitch planned)
Oja Oba Underbridge (ongoing)
The projects are being executed in phases to ensure quality delivery and sustainable urban development.
Areas Inspected During Environmental Tour
The inspection tour covered:
Oja Oba Underbridge
Idumota Underbridge
Aroloya Street
Alfred Rewane Collector
Bourdillon Collector
Macpherson Collector
Five Cowries Creek, Ikoyi
Senior officials from LAWMA and other environmental agencies accompanied the commissioner during the exercise.
What the Return of Monthly Sanitation Means for Lagos Residents
If implemented in March, the monthly sanitation exercise in Lagos will:
Improve waste management compliance
Reduce drainage blockages and flooding
Strengthen environmental enforcement
Promote cleaner markets and road corridors
Residents are advised to comply with sanitation guidelines as LASG prepares to roll out stricter monitoring and enforcement measures statewide.
