Lagos govt queries sanitation officer over alleged ₦20,000 bribe
Tokunbo Wahab
The Lagos State Government has issued a query to an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) following a viral video that allegedly showed him receiving a ₦20,000 bribe from a suspected environmental offender.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this in a post on X on Friday, describing the officer’s alleged conduct as unacceptable and contrary to the ethics and core values of the agency.
According to Wahab, the officer has been formally queried, and a Personnel Management Board will be set up to investigate the matter in line with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
“My attention has been drawn to a viral video allegedly showing an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps receiving a bribe from a lawbreaker. Such conduct is unacceptable and runs contrary to the rules, ethics, and core values of the Agency,” Wahab stated.
“Consequently, we have immediately issued the officer a query, and this will be followed by the constitution of a Personnel Management Board (PMB) to investigate the matter in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.”
The commissioner reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, warning that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action.
“The Lagos State Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and any form of misconduct within its public service. Any officer found culpable will be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary measures as stipulated by the relevant regulations,” he added.
Wahab also warned members of the public against offering bribes to government officials, noting that both giving and receiving bribes are criminal offences.“I also wish to remind Lagosians that offering a bribe is as unlawful as receiving one.
We urge everyone to obey the law and refrain from attempting to compromise enforcement officers. Together, we can uphold integrity, strengthen public trust, and build a more accountable and responsible society.”In the query letter issued to the officer, he was accused of collecting ₦20,000 from an offender, an act allegedly captured on video and widely circulated on social media. The letter noted that the footage was viewed by the Lagos State Governor.
The officer was given 48 hours to submit a written explanation stating why disciplinary action should not be taken against him. Failure to respond within the stipulated time would result in disciplinary proceedings.
