Sanwo-Olu revives monthly environmental sanitation to combat Lagos filth

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday expressed concern over massive, uncollected piles of refuse across the state, warning that Lagos cannot compete with modern cities while filth litters its roads and streets.

The governor spoke during the symbolic flag-off of the monthly environmental sanitation programme organised by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, held along the Mushin–Agege Motor Road corridor. He stressed that maintaining a clean city is not the sole responsibility of government but depends on the daily actions of residents.

To address the situation, Governor Sanwo-Olu revived the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, designating the hours between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month for this initiative.

He emphasized that movement will not be restricted during the two-hour period but appealed to residents to voluntarily participate in the programme, warning that non-compliance could attract penalties under the Environmental Management Law of 2017.

“The condition of our streets, markets, drainage channels, and public spaces reflects how seriously we take our responsibility to one another and the environment we share. In a city as large and dynamic as Lagos, maintaining a clean and healthy environment must remain a collective civic duty,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu added that his administration would continue to strengthen waste management systems, improve drainage infrastructure, and support environmental enforcement across the state.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, highlighted the government’s role in educating residents about taking ownership of their environment. He urged citizens to regularly clean their surroundings and dispose of waste responsibly while acknowledging that government must sustain efforts to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment.