By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday assured residents that his administration will “leave no stone unturned” in safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Speaking at the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill at Lagos House, Ikeja, the governor condemned the chaotic fuel scooping at Apapa Bridge earlier in the day, describing it as a “suicide mission.” He commended the swift intervention of first responders and police, who cordoned off the area before any disaster could occur, and warned residents against actions that could endanger public safety.
Addressing issues of indiscipline, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse, Governor Sanwo-Olu said stiffer penalties would be enforced this year. He pledged to boost the capacity of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and private sector partners (PSP), increasing their fleet of compactor trucks and necessary equipment. “We have given instructions to LAWMA not only to apprehend but also to see how we can charge people for environmental violations,” he said.
On the Makoko demolition exercise, the governor explained that evacuation notices had been served over two years ago to residents living within 150 to 250 metres of high-tension wires. He emphasized that the exercise is in the collective interest of Lagosians, aimed at preventing disasters, and not motivated by ulterior reasons.
“People need to understand that it is a big city we are dealing with, and the emergency and safety of lives and properties are paramount,” Sanwo-Olu said. He added that only shanties directly under high-tension wires are being cleared, and the wider community of Makoko is not being targeted.
The governor also criticized some local and international NGOs, accusing them of seeking to profit from the situation while failing to deliver on promises to residents. He said the government has evidence of previous delays and extended the exercise from December 2024 throughout 2025 to ensure compliance and public safety.
As a compassionate measure, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that affected residents would receive palliatives and relocation stipends. “I have instructed both local governments and the relevant ministries to provide additional support to affected persons to show compassion and ensure we all live in a safe and secure environment,” he said.
