The Lagos State Government has announced plans to reinstate its compulsory monthly environmental sanitation exercise, beginning from March 2025. The exercise will take place on the last Saturday of every month as part of renewed efforts to improve environmental cleanliness and public hygiene across the state.
According to the government, the decision aligns with ongoing strategies to strengthen environmental management, tackle indiscriminate waste disposal, and address recurring flooding challenges in the metropolis. Residents will be expected to actively participate in cleaning their immediate surroundings during the designated sanitation period.
The state government also expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing Lagos Island regeneration and deflooding projects. Officials noted that the projects are recording steady improvements, particularly in drainage infrastructure and urban renewal efforts aimed at mitigating flooding and environmental degradation in the area.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection tour of the regeneration works and identified environmental infractions on Lagos Island. During the tour, the commissioner emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in maintaining a clean environment.
He urged residents to adopt proper waste disposal practices and maintain cleanliness on a daily basis, rather than waiting for government enforcement, movement restrictions, or monthly sanitation exercises. He stressed that sustainable environmental cleanliness can only be achieved through consistent individual and collective efforts.
Wahab warned that environmental infractions such as illegal dumping of refuse, blockage of drainage channels, and misuse of public spaces would continue to attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing environmental laws.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations while also promoting public awareness and community participation. He noted that the reinstated sanitation exercise is intended to reinforce discipline, civic responsibility, and environmental consciousness among residents.
The Lagos State Government added that further details on the modalities and enforcement of the exercise would be communicated ahead of its commencement in March.
