No going back on monthly sanitation — Lagos govt

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise, declaring that the initiative is now a permanent feature of efforts to maintain a cleaner and healthier city.

The government made the declaration on Saturday during the second edition of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise held across the state, as officials monitored compliance and engaged residents on the importance of environmental cleanliness.

The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, participated in the exercise in Alimosho Local Government Area alongside the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Rotimi Akodu, members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), and other government functionaries.

At the same time, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, led top government officials in monitoring sanitation activities in the Apapa area of the state.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Wahab commended residents and local authorities in Alimosho, describing the council as one of the cleanest LGAs in Lagos. He noted that the council had demonstrated commitment to environmental management through regular clean-up activities and efficient waste disposal systems.

“We observed that some local governments are very clean and this local government appears to be one of them. The environment has been cleaned, and they have compactors to evacuate waste. The chairman and his team deserve commendation, but there is still a need for more engagement with residents to sustain the culture of cleanliness,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that environmental sanitation remains a civic responsibility regardless of holidays or festivities. According to him, despite recent celebrations, residents must remain committed to cleaning their surroundings as the last Saturday of every month has been designated as Lagos Environmental Sanitation Day.

Addressing concerns about movement restrictions and reports of non-compliance by some commercial vehicle operators, Wahab said the government was prioritising public enlightenment rather than enforcement. He noted that the sanitation exercise had been inactive for nearly a decade and that the state was focusing on sustained advocacy to encourage voluntary participation. In the same vein, Mr. Bode Agoro also underscored the health benefits of a clean environment, saying cleaner surroundings would help reduce the spread of diseases and improve the overall well-being of residents.