Seeking to restore environmental discipline, the Lagos State Government has mobilised Local Government Chairmen and top officials to strengthen grassroots support and drive effective implementation of the reintroduced monthly sanitation exercise.
The move formed the focus of a strategic meeting between the state government and all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairmen, alongside selected members of the State Executive Council.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting on his social media platform on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stressed that restoring cleanliness across Lagos requires collective responsibility and sustained collaboration at all levels.
“Achieving a cleaner, flood-free and sustainable environment is a shared responsibility that requires strong collaboration between the State Government, Local Governments and residents,” he said.
Wahab noted that the reintroduction of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was a deliberate step towards rebuilding the culture of cleanliness in the state.
“Mr. Governor’s directive is a clear call for Lagosians to take ownership of their immediate environment. This is not just a policy, but a civic duty we must all embrace,” he stated.
Highlighting the scale of the challenge, the commissioner disclosed that Lagos generates between 13,000 and 14,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, underscoring the urgency for consistent and coordinated action.
“With the volume of waste generated daily, the task before us is enormous. It requires discipline, awareness and sustained commitment from all stakeholders,” Wahab said.
He further revealed that, as part of implementation strategies, State Executive Council members, Local Government Chairmen, and senior officials would be deployed to various locations to monitor compliance during sanitation periods.
“To ensure effectiveness, we will have a robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism in place. Officials will be assigned to different areas to oversee compliance and ensure that standards are maintained,” he added.
In a bid to encourage participation and accountability, Wahab announced the introduction of a monthly award for the cleanest Local Government or LCDA, with incentives attached.
“This initiative will promote healthy competition among councils and reward those who demonstrate commitment to environmental cleanliness,” he explained.
The commissioner also charged council chairmen to intensify public enlightenment campaigns and discourage indiscriminate waste disposal.
“We must continue to educate our people on proper waste management and discourage the dumping of refuse on roads, medians, drainages and canals,” he said.
Wahab commended the Chairman of Conference 57, Hon. Sesan Olowa, and all council chairmen for pledging their support towards the initiative.
“Their commitment is critical to restoring environmental discipline and sustaining a cleaner Lagos,” he noted.
He expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration, Lagos would achieve a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment.
“Together, we will rebuild the culture of sanitation and create a city we can all be proud of,” he said.
