The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transitioning toward a zero-waste economy through strategic partnerships, improved landfill operations, recycling initiatives, and waste-to-energy projects.
Eko Hot News reports that the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa.
The briefing formed part of activities marking the seventh year of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the environment sector.
Wahab stated that the state remains committed to building a cleaner, healthier, flood-resilient, and environmentally sustainable megacity in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda.
He highlighted major achievements recorded in environmental sanitation, waste management, climate governance, drainage infrastructure, water supply, beautification, and environmental enforcement.
According to the Commissioner, one of the major milestones of the administration was the successful reintroduction of the monthly statewide environmental sanitation exercise.
He noted that the exercise has helped restore environmental awareness and improve community participation in sanitation practices across Lagos State.
Wahab added that the sanitation exercise recorded massive participation from residents, local governments, private organizations, and state officials.
The Commissioner also disclosed that enforcement activities were intensified through relevant agencies across the state.
He stated that environmental offenders, illegal traders, squatters, and individuals violating sanitation regulations were arrested and prosecuted.
According to him, 5,715 persons were arrested for highway crossing offences, while 3,886 individuals were apprehended for street trading, environmental pollution, and cart-pushing violations.
He further revealed that 102 persons were arrested for open defecation, while 931 individuals were apprehended for waste management offences.
Wahab announced the commissioning of the Ikosi Waste-to-Energy Biodigester Plant located within the Ketu Fruit Market.
He explained that the facility converts organic waste into electricity, cooking gas, and agricultural fertilizer.
The plant currently processes 0.5 tonnes of organic waste daily and generates about 30kWh of electricity for lighting and cold storage operations.
The Commissioner stated that landfill operational efficiency and waste truck turnaround time have also improved significantly under the current administration.
He added that the operating licenses of five underperforming PSP operators were withdrawn following a performance evaluation exercise.
The Ministry also strengthened healthcare waste management through the deployment of 35 new PSP operators across Lagos health facilities.
According to Wahab, about 3,920 health facilities have been registered statewide, with between 80,000kg and 105,000kg of medical waste treated monthly.
He disclosed that the state signed 12 new environmental sustainability partnerships to support waste-to-wealth initiatives and recycling programmes.
The Commissioner also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing the ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics.
He revealed that over 137,530kg of PET plastic waste had been removed from the environment through recycling and resource recovery efforts.
In the area of climate governance, Wahab stated that Lagos retained its position as Nigeria’s top-performing state in climate governance for the second consecutive year.
He said the state successfully hosted the 2025 Lagos International Climate Change Summit focused on financing coastal resilience and blue economy opportunities in Africa.
The Ministry also installed more than 100 air quality monitoring sensors across Lagos State to improve environmental monitoring and public health outcomes.
Wahab disclosed that cleaner fish processing technology was introduced in Makoko to reduce smoke emissions and improve working conditions for local fish processors.
On greening initiatives, the Commissioner said 16,966 trees were planted across the five divisions of Lagos State as part of ongoing environmental beautification efforts.
He added that new recreational parks were created while existing parks are undergoing renovation and upgrades.
Flood control and drainage infrastructure also remained major priorities of the administration during the past year.
According to Wahab, extensive dredging, drainage maintenance, and channel construction projects were carried out across several communities.
He disclosed that the Ministry cleaned and maintained 18 primary drainage channels covering 76 kilometres and secondary channels stretching 178 kilometres.
Illegal structures obstructing drainage alignments were also removed to improve stormwater flow and reduce flood risks.
The Emergency Flood Abatement Gang also responded to flood-prone areas and black spots covering approximately 210 kilometres across Lagos State.
Wahab stated that the intervention reflects the government’s determination to strengthen flood control and improve drainage infrastructure in vulnerable communities.
In the water resources sector, the Commissioner announced the commissioning of the rehabilitated 1 MGD Akilo Mini Waterworks project.
He added that steady progress is being made on the Adiyan Phase II Water Treatment Plant and the expansion of potable water infrastructure across the state.
Eko Hot News notes that the Lagos State Government continues to intensify efforts toward environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and improved sanitation under the Sanwo-Olu administration.
