The Lagos State Government has officially reintroduced the monthly environmental sanitation exercise aimed at strengthening community participation in maintaining a clean and healthy environment across the state.
Eko Hot News reports that the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, announced the revival of the sanitation programme during a symbolic flag-off ceremony held at Mushin.
The Governor explained that the exercise will now take place every last Saturday of the month between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
He added that the sanitation activity will not involve movement restrictions for residents.
According to the Governor, government officials will monitor activities during the exercise to ensure compliance and encourage active participation by communities.
Sanwo-Olu led the sanitation activity alongside the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the State Executive Council.
The clean-up exercise covered several areas around the Mushin corridor as part of efforts to demonstrate the government’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Speaking at the event, the Governor emphasised that maintaining a clean environment requires the cooperation of all residents.
He explained that environmental sanitation had previously been a widely observed civic responsibility across communities in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the culture of community participation declined after the programme was discontinued by a previous administration.
He said the decision to revive the initiative was based on the need to restore collective environmental responsibility among residents.
According to him, the sanitation exercise will encourage individuals, markets and neighbourhoods to keep their surroundings clean.
The Governor stated that achieving a clean city depends not only on government efforts but also on the discipline and cooperation of residents.
He also recalled that the earlier suspension of the sanitation exercise followed a court ruling linked to movement restrictions during the programme.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the state respected the legal ruling and subsequently reviewed the enforcement structure of the sanitation programme.
The revised framework now allows the exercise to take place without restricting movement while still encouraging participation.
He reiterated that residents must continue to take responsibility for maintaining their immediate environment.
Sanwo-Olu added that a cleaner environment contributes significantly to public health and urban sustainability.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the reintroduction of the exercise as an important step toward improving environmental conditions across the state.
Wahab noted that the sanitation programme aligns with the development goals of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
He explained that the initiative supports the broader environmental objectives within the state’s development agenda.
According to him, residents are encouraged to clean their homes, surroundings and drainage channels within their neighbourhoods.
He added that officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) will be present during the exercise to collect waste and ensure proper disposal.
Wahab also highlighted that the sanitation exercise will help promote environmental awareness among residents.
He said the initiative encourages people to adopt responsible waste disposal habits and maintain cleanliness in their communities.
The Commissioner explained that regular sanitation activities help prevent environmental challenges and improve the quality of life in urban areas.
He further noted that the government will continue to develop strategies aimed at maintaining a clean and sustainable environment across Lagos.
Wahab advised residents and communities to comply with the directive and actively participate in the monthly exercise.
He also referenced the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law 2017 as the regulatory framework guiding environmental management in the state.
Officials noted that the reintroduction of the sanitation programme reflects the government’s commitment to creating a healthier and more liveable city for all residents.
The initiative is expected to strengthen environmental awareness and encourage communities to play an active role in maintaining cleanliness across Lagos.
