- Lagos Government plans to establish a “Waste Police” to enforce sanitation laws.
- Transport unions to play active roles in monitoring motor parks and major roads.
- Government warns against indiscriminate waste disposal and promises stricter enforcement.
The Lagos State Government has intensified its campaign for a cleaner environment with the introduction of stricter measures aimed at eliminating indiscriminate waste disposal across the state.
Eko Hot Blog reports that as part of the renewed effort, the government has unveiled plans to establish a specialized environmental monitoring team, popularly referred to as the “Waste Police,” to help enforce sanitation regulations and discourage the dumping of refuse on roads, medians, motor parks, and other public spaces.
The initiative follows Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive for the immediate evacuation of waste from roads and strategic locations across Lagos, as part of efforts to improve environmental cleanliness and public health.
To ensure the success of the exercise, the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) have strengthened collaboration with major transport stakeholders, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Ministry of Transportation, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stressed the need for transport operators to take greater responsibility for maintaining cleanliness within their areas of operation.
He noted that motor parks, garages, bus stops, and adjoining roads should be properly managed and kept free from refuse, adding that transport unions have a critical role to play in promoting environmental sustainability.
According to the commissioner, indiscriminate trading and improper waste disposal within transport facilities contribute significantly to environmental degradation and must be discouraged.
Osiyemi disclosed that the state government would soon begin a more rigorous enforcement exercise to ensure compliance with environmental laws and proper waste management practices.
He warned that roads and public spaces are not designated dumping grounds and reiterated the government’s determination to sanction individuals and organizations found violating sanitation regulations.
To strengthen enforcement at the grassroots level, the proposed Waste Police initiative will involve members of transport unions across all local government areas who will assist in monitoring motor parks, garages, and major roads while reporting sanitation violations.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Sam Egube, highlighted the importance of partnership between government and transport stakeholders in preserving public infrastructure and maintaining a clean environment.
He observed that in many developed societies, transport operators actively support government efforts to protect roads, transport facilities, and public spaces, urging stakeholders in Lagos to embrace a similar culture.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, also appealed to residents and transport operators to support the initiative, noting that environmental sanitation remains essential to public health, economic growth, and the global image of Lagos State.
He emphasized that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of every resident.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment, warning that indiscriminate waste disposal will no longer be tolerated as authorities move to strengthen monitoring and enforcement across the state.
