Lagos Government Set to Reinstate Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise

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.