Lagos residents urged to sustain cleanliness as monthly sanitation gains momentum
Lagos State Government has urged residents to embrace a culture of environmental cleanliness and take greater responsibility for keeping their surroundings tidy as the reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise continues to gather momentum across the state.
The appeal was made on Saturday during the fourth edition of the sanitation exercise, with government officials expressing satisfaction over the growing level of public participation while stressing that sustained behavioural change remains critical to achieving a cleaner Lagos.
Speaking during an inspection at Eputu London in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended residents for their enthusiastic participation, describing it as a sign of increasing environmental awareness.
She noted that many residents had begun cleaning their surroundings days before the official sanitation period, reflecting a renewed commitment to environmental hygiene.
“We noticed that both children and parents came out very early. In fact, some residents started cleaning three days ago. That shows people are becoming more aware and conscious of their environment,” she said.
Dr Sanwo-Olu observed that despite flooding challenges in some parts of the state, residents were making deliberate efforts to clear drains and remove debris to keep their communities clean.
She added that the state government was intentionally involving children and young people in the sanitation campaign to instil environmental responsibility from an early age.
“Our children have been here since as early as 6:30 a.m. We are catching them young so they can continue the culture of environmental responsibility. By next month, we will also involve students from tertiary institutions,” she said.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said the government was expanding waste management infrastructure, including ongoing work at the Olusosun Waste Transfer Loading Station and plans to establish a Material Recovery Facility.
He urged residents to take ownership of waste management by disposing of refuse properly instead of dumping it on roads, medians and drainage channels.
“Habits built over time take time to change, but with consistency, advocacy and proper messaging, we will get there. People should not dump waste indiscriminately. If a PSP operator fails to collect waste, residents should contact LAWMA for intervention,” Wahab said.
He assured residents that while the government would continue intensive public enlightenment campaigns, environmental laws would also be strictly enforced, with sanctions imposed on offenders.
In Badagry, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Rotimi Akodu, blamed many of the state’s environmental challenges on poor waste disposal habits and inadequate environmental management.
Speaking during an inspection of the sanitation exercise, Akodu called on residents to adopt responsible environmental practices and support government efforts to maintain cleaner neighbourhoods.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating indiscriminate refuse dumping and other environmental violations, while commending Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs) for their active participation.
According to him, the inclusion of students in the monthly sanitation exercise is designed to nurture future environmental advocates.
“The involvement of students is deliberate. We want to catch them young and groom them as environmental champions who will protect the future of Lagos,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, disclosed that the council had established a Waste Police Unit to strengthen enforcement of environmental laws within the area.
Hunpe said the initiative aligns with the state government’s environmental sustainability agenda and is aimed at improving sanitation standards across Badagry.
He pledged the council’s continued collaboration with the Lagos State Government to promote a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment.
