The Lagos environmental sanitation exercise has received a major boost as the Lagos State Government secured the commitment of all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Area chairmen to support its reintroduction and enforcement.
Eko Hot News reports that top officials of the state government engaged council leaders at a strategic meeting held in Alausa to fine-tune modalities for the successful implementation of the monthly sanitation programme.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stressed the need for collaboration between state and local governments to achieve a cleaner, flood-free, and sustainable Lagos.
He recalled that Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier flagged off the reintroduction of the sanitation exercise, describing it as a critical step toward addressing environmental challenges in the state.
Wahab noted that restoring a culture of regular sanitation is essential in a megacity like Lagos, adding that waste management must evolve from a linear “pick and dump” system to a more sustainable model where waste is treated as a resource.
He also highlighted existing sanitation practices, including the weekly market clean-up exercise held every Thursday between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, urging residents to replicate similar efforts in their homes and communities.
According to him, on designated sanitation days at the end of each month, members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen, and other officials will be deployed across the state to supervise and monitor compliance.
To encourage participation, the government plans to introduce a competitive reward system, recognising the cleanest Local Government or LCDA each month with public acknowledgement and incentives.
The Commissioner assured that Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators will continue to function effectively, with additional support from Lagos Waste Management Authority where necessary.
He further charged council chairmen to intensify public enlightenment campaigns, warning residents against indiscriminate waste disposal in open spaces, road medians, drainage channels, and canals.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Bolaji Roberts, urged council leaders to take ownership of the initiative and mobilise grassroots support for its success.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Lanre Afinni, emphasised the importance of regular engagement with community stakeholders, including CDAs and traditional rulers, to ensure widespread compliance.
Responding on behalf of the council chairmen, the Chairman of Conference 57, Sesan Olowa, pledged full support for the initiative, assuring that all 57 councils are committed to promoting proper waste management and environmental sustainability.
He added that each local government would establish enforcement mechanisms to monitor compliance and ensure the success of the sanitation exercise.
The renewed collaboration signals a strong statewide push toward environmental discipline, positioning Lagos for improved cleanliness, reduced flooding, and a more sustainable urban future.
