By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday announced the return of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise across the state, aiming to restore civic responsibility and improve public hygiene.
The exercise will take place on the last Saturday of every month from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., without movement restrictions. State officials will monitor compliance, and sanctions will be applied to non-compliant neighbourhoods and markets.
Sanwo-Olu flagged off the programme at Olosa Bus Stop, Mushin, accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the state cabinet. He stressed that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation between government and residents.
“Every last Saturday used to be a moment when citizens across the state would clean their surroundings, drains, and public spaces. Today, we are bringing back that era of collective responsibility for our environment,” the Governor said.
The decision follows a review of previous enforcement measures, which had been suspended due to a court ruling related to movement restrictions. Sanwo-Olu emphasised that while restrictions have been eased, the obligation for residents to maintain cleanliness remains unchanged.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the initiative aligns with the administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, promoting a safe, clean, and sustainable environment for residents. He encouraged Lagosians to clean homes, streets, and drainage channels while LAWMA officials manage waste collection and disposal.
Wahab added that the exercise seeks to educate residents on environmental ownership and ensure adherence to proper waste disposal practices. Communities defying the directive will face consequences under the Lagos State 2017 Environmental Protection Law.
The reinstatement of the monthly sanitation exercise aims to revive public environmental consciousness and enhance the overall livability of Lagos.
