Five individuals were arraigned on Thursday before a Magistrate’s Court in Oshodi for allegedly dumping waste into a canal along the Igando-Iba Road Link Bridge in Lagos.

The court ordered that the defendants—Quassim Jamiu and Ayo Jamiu (both from Kwara State), Alexander Innocent (Akwa Ibom), Oparinde Taiwo (Ogun State), and Moses Adelowokan (Osun State)—be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre until the next hearing scheduled for July 9.

According to authorities, the suspects were caught in the act while attempting to discharge a large quantity of refuse into the canal using a lorry. They were arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), in collaboration with security personnel.

The arrest follows an intensified enforcement drive by the Lagos State Government to clamp down on violations of environmental laws, particularly indiscriminate waste disposal.

Lagos Government Set to Reinstate Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal dumping. He stressed that the state would ensure the suspects are prosecuted to the full extent of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

“This government will not condone actions that compromise the health of our environment and endanger public safety. Those caught flouting our sanitation laws will face the consequences,” Wahab stated.

The incident occurred just 48 hours after the government issued a strong warning to residents and businesses against illegal waste disposal.

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to reinstate the monthly environmental sanitation exercise as part of renewed efforts to enhance cleanliness and curb indiscriminate waste disposal across the state.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the disclosure on Sunday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He emphasized that sanitation must become a way of life rather than an occasional campaign, calling on residents to support the government’s vision of a cleaner, healthier Lagos.

“Let us be clear: sanitation is not seasonal—it is a lifestyle. With the resumption of monthly environmental sanitation, we are reviving the culture of cleanliness. We appreciate law-abiding Lagosians and urge everyone to rise to the challenge of building a Greater Lagos,” Wahab stated.

The announcement follows the commissioner’s inspection tour of areas with critical sanitation challenges, including Idi-Araba, Orile Iganmu, and Alaba Rago. While no specific date was given for the exercise’s resumption, Wahab confirmed that preparations are in advanced stages.

Further Measures to Improve Sanitation

The commissioner noted that enforcement efforts are being intensified, particularly in markets and areas notorious for illegal dumping. At Alaba Rago, traders were given a deadline of Monday evening to rectify all infractions or face full market closure.

Wahab underscored the need for collective responsibility in effective waste management. He urged residents to bag their waste properly, engage accredited Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators, and avoid dumping refuse on road medians and in drainage channels.

To address service delivery gaps, Wahab revealed that over 100 Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) trucks have been deployed across the state’s 377 wards. Surveillance and cleanup operations are also being scaled up in support of a cleaner, flood-free Lagos.

Background and Expectations

The Lagos State Government had previously indicated plans to reintroduce monthly sanitation. In October 2024, Wahab confirmed that advocacy and sensitization campaigns were ongoing to prepare residents. Although the exercise did not resume as initially planned, this latest development suggests the state is now better prepared for effective implementation.

Residents are expected to play a proactive role in sustaining the initiative and contributing to the government’s goal of a cleaner, healthier Lagos for all.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday hosted the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, for a high-level meeting focused on strengthening Lagos-EU cooperation and multilateral business relations.

The meeting, held at the State House in Marina, centred around the landmark ‘Omi Eko’ initiative — a transformative project aimed at upgrading Lagos’ inland waterways into a world-class transportation system.

Estimated at €410 million, the ‘Omi Eko’ project is being co-financed through public-private partnerships involving the EU, French Development Agency (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Lagos State Government. All partners will jointly oversee its execution.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress following the completion of feasibility studies and confirmed that construction is slated to begin next month.

“With the ‘Omi Eko’ project, we are poised to expand our transportation infrastructure and provide residents with faster, more efficient travel options. This initiative includes the construction of new terminals, deployment of high-capacity electric boats, and enhanced safety systems on our waterways,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

“This is a legacy project that aligns with our vision of an integrated and sustainable urban mobility network. We aim to begin implementation promptly and make visible progress within our administration’s tenure.”

Sanwo-Olu endorses LASU/PSSDC diploma

The Governor added that the project would unlock the economic potential of Lagos’ aquatic resources, boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and create jobs. He urged all stakeholders to ensure the timely release of funds and expedite the procurement of construction materials.

Sanwo-Olu also lauded the EU-owned Infrastructure Development Bank’s plans to enter Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, describing it as a welcome development that would further stimulate economic growth.

Ambassador Mignot, leading the EU delegation from Abuja, confirmed the EU’s full commitment to the project. “We bring good news from the EIB and AFD — we are ready to sign the necessary agreements to launch the €410 million ‘Omi Eko’ project. A formal groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for the end of June,” he announced.

He praised Lagos State’s dedication to its EU partnership, noting that a significant share of European economic activity in Nigeria is concentrated in Lagos. Mignot also revealed plans to strengthen economic ties through a revitalized European Chamber of Commerce and more strategic investment partnerships, especially in the tech sector, where German agency GIZ is already active.