Lagos Govt, Navy collaborate on Apapa clean-up, environmental sustainability

The Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft have unveiled a joint initiative to clean up the Apapa axis and promote environmental sustainability in the area. The collaboration was announced during a courtesy visit by the NNS Beecroft command, led by Navy Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in Alausa.

Wahab reaffirmed the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with agencies like the Navy to tackle the growing environmental infractions in Apapa. He noted that Apapa, once an elite neighborhood, has suffered neglect and deterioration, making it necessary for stakeholders to reclaim and protect the environment.

He praised the Navy’s clear vision to restore the Apapa ecosystem and pledged full support for the initiative. According to Wahab, the state government, through LAWMA, would provide logistics such as waste evacuation trucks, while LAGESC/KAI and the EFAG team would clean and desilt the area’s drainages ahead of the scheduled cleanup.

Wahab stated that the LASPARK agency would assess the possibility of landscaping under the Apapa bridge after the clean-up to ensure long-term environmental management. He stressed that enforcing environmental laws is critical to maintaining order and preventing Lagos from becoming a failed state.

He cited previous cleanup efforts by LAGESC/KAI around the Apapa underbridge, noting that while some residents have accused the government of high-handedness, firm action is necessary to compel compliance and restore sanity. He also assured the Navy of the state’s full backing in clearing environmental infractions.

In response, Navy Commodore Nimmyel expressed appreciation for the partnership, announcing that the major clean-up operation would take place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., as part of activities marking the 69th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy. He said the exercise would include clearing waste and removing hoodlums and touts.

Nimmyel added that following the clean-up, the Navy would rally stakeholders and agencies across Apapa and Ajegunle to ensure continued environmental sustainability in the region. He emphasized that community involvement would be key to maintaining the gains achieved.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretaries of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, and other heads of agencies in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.