Sanwo-Olu orders immediate waste removal across Lagos, pushes inter-agency collaboration

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday ordered the immediate intensification of waste evacuation operations across Lagos State, following growing concerns by residents over the accumulation of refuse in parts of the metropolis.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, in which the Lagos State Government acknowledged the concerns of residents and assured them that the situation was receiving urgent attention.

According to the statement, the governor expressed awareness of the inconveniences caused by the refuse build-up and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a clean, healthy and environmentally sustainable city for residents.

“Lagosians deserve a clean, healthy and environmentally sustainable city, and this administration remains fully committed to delivering on that obligation,” the statement said, noting that the government was not oblivious to the discomfort experienced by residents.

Sanwo-Olu directed the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Lagos Waste Management Authority, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant departments to double down on their efforts to clear the backlog.

The governor emphasised that all agencies within the environmental sector must work collaboratively to ensure swift evacuation of accumulated waste and prevent further build-up across the state.

While acknowledging that occasional operational disruptions may occur in a complex and dynamic urban environment like Lagos, the government maintained that its capacity, determination and resolve to address such challenges remain firm.

The state government further assured residents of its continued commitment to protecting public health, preserving environmental standards and ensuring that communities across Lagos remain clean, safe and conducive, stressing that a cleaner Lagos is a responsibility it will continue to uphold.