MONTHLY SANITATION EXERCISE KEY TO CLEANER LAGOS, OFFICIALS INSIST
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a culture of environmental cleanliness, stressing that the reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise is now a permanent feature aimed at keeping the state clean and healthy.
The government made this known during the second edition of the revived monthly sanitation exercise held across the state over the weekend.
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 senior government officials. Meanwhile, the state Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, led monitoring activities in the Apapa area.
Speaking with journalists, Wahab commended residents and local authorities for their efforts, describing Alimosho as one of the cleanest local government areas in Lagos.
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He noted that the council had maintained a high level of environmental cleanliness and possessed the necessary waste management equipment to sustain the effort.
“We observed that several local governments were clean, and Alimosho stands out as one of the best. The local government leadership has done well, but there is still a need for continuous engagement with residents on environmental cleanliness,” he said.
Wahab also reminded residents that despite recent public holidays and festivities, environmental sanitation remains a priority for the state.
“We recently celebrated Sallah and other festivities, but our commitment to a clean environment remains unchanged. Every last Saturday of the month is dedicated to environmental sanitation in Lagos State,” he added.
Addressing concerns about a few commercial vehicles seen on the roads during the exercise and the low participation of some residents, the commissioner said the government would continue public enlightenment campaigns to encourage compliance.
“We need to keep educating residents on the importance of dedicating just two hours each month to cleaning their surroundings. Our goal is to build and sustain a culture of cleanliness across Lagos,” he said.
On the issue of movement restrictions, Wahab clarified that the government was not focused on imposing strict measures but rather on encouraging voluntary participation through sustained awareness and engagement.
“This exercise was suspended for nearly a decade, so reintroducing it requires continuous communication with a population that has changed significantly over the years,” he explained.
Also speaking, Head of Service Bode Agoro emphasised the health benefits of maintaining a clean environment, noting that poor sanitation contributes to the spread of diseases.
“We are serious about keeping our environment clean because no one wants to live in dirty surroundings. A cleaner environment means healthier communities and fewer health challenges,” he said.
Agoro urged residents to embrace voluntary compliance, stressing that while sanitation laws carry penalties for offenders, the government’s primary objective is to encourage responsible behaviour rather than punish people.
“Sanctions exist for environmental offences, and the Ministry of Environment will enforce them when necessary. However, our goal is to create a society where people understand that littering and other environmental violations are simply unacceptable,” he said.
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