The Lagos State Government has directed all residents across the five divisions of the state to remain at home and fully participate in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 6:30am to 8:30am.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said every resident is expected to clean their surroundings and clear drains in front of their premises before proceeding with other activities for the day.
To support the exercise, sufficient compactor and evacuation trucks have been deployed across the state. The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) will be strategically positioned to immediately evacuate all solid waste and debris to designated dumpsites.
Demonstrating the administration’s commitment, the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, alongside the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), will lead a team of officials to monitor the exercise. The Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, will also lead a separate team of senior government officials to a different Local Government area.
Major transport unions in Lagos have pledged to suspend vehicle operations from all parks and terminus between 6:30am and 8:30am on Saturday in support of the exercise.
According to Wahab, the monthly sanitation exercise was reintroduced following persistent calls from residents for a dedicated day to clean their environment. He urged Community Development Associations (CDAs) to mobilize members statewide to ensure the exercise’s success and revive the culture the initiative represented before its suspension.
All Local Governments, LCDAs, and some private companies have committed tools and vehicles for refuse collection. Environmental health officers and enforcement officials will be deployed to monitor compliance. Households and individuals who fail to participate will receive abatement notices and face prosecution under the 2017 Lagos State Environmental Management Law and related legislation.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the return of the monthly sanitation exercise on Saturday, March 14, while leading the Deputy Governor and other state officials to monitor and clean Agege Motor Road, Mushin.
Credit: LASG
