- Wahab addressed various environmental concerns and issued warnings to traders
- Wahab revealed intelligence reports that suggest the involvement of a syndicate in illegal waste dumping
- Wahab declared zero-tolerance policy for the sale of rams and other livestock on highways.
The Lagos State Government is reportedly considering the reintroduction of the suspended monthly environmental sanitation exercise as part of its broader strategy to promote a cleaner, safer, and flood-free Lagos.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection tour of Idi-Araba, Orile Iganmu, and Alaba Rago in Ojo Local Government Area.
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Wahab emphasised the importance of making sanitation a daily culture and explained that the return of the monthly exercise is currently under consideration at the State Executive Council level.
“Lagos is strongly considering reintroducing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Once approved by EXCO, the Governor will officially announce the re-launch. It’s long overdue,” Wahab said.
Wahab declared zero-tolerance policy for the sale of rams and other livestock on highways.
He emphasized that livestock sellers must operate only within designated markets, warning that violators would face sanctions under the state’s environmental laws.
The zero-tolerance policy is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to promote a cleaner, safer, and more environmentally sustainable city.
This initiative comes amidst preparations for the reintroduction of the suspended monthly environmental sanitation exercise, which was previously halted in November 2016 due to challenges in restricting movement within the megacity.
“Livestock sellers must operate only within designated markets. Trading on highways is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” he warned.
Wahab revealed intelligence reports that suggest the involvement of a syndicate in illegal waste dumping and cart-pushing activities around the Idi-Araba area.
“Cart-pushing is banned in Lagos. There is a law against it. We have intensified enforcement and will continue to crack down on these activities,” Wahab noted.
Wahab addressed various environmental concerns and issued warnings to traders who have been engaging in illegal activities. He identified the continued use of an abandoned dumpsite in Idi-Araba by cart pushers as a significant environmental issue that needs to be addressed promptly.
Furthermore, Wahab expressed disappointment over the illegal trading activities taking place under the Daleko Bridge and vowed to put an end to it.
“They have turned the median into a dumpsite and extended trading onto the roads. We’ve given them till Monday evening to comply. If they don’t, the market will be sealed,” he said.
He emphasized that the market leadership has committed to rectifying the infractions. However, he made it clear that the state government would take action if compliance is not achieved.
In Orile-Iganmu, Wahab ordered the immediate deployment of swamp buggies to clear the blocked Iganmu Channel, which was clogged due to indiscriminate waste disposal and hindered stormwater flow.
Wahab also noted that over 100 LAWMA trucks have been dispatched across Lagos State to support areas where Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators are underperforming.
“We’re intervening where necessary, but residents must take ownership of infrastructure and stop illegal waste disposal,” he stressed.
Wahab urged residents to properly bag their waste at home, avoid disposing of waste on road medians or drainage channels, and utilize the services of licensed PSP operators for waste collection.
The commissioner’s tour included visits to several locations in Lagos, such as Ojerinde Street, Ewunmi Street, Wonuola Street, Takuro Street, Paul Okuntola Street, Taiwo Street (Idi-Araba), Alaba Rago Market (Badagry Expressway, Ojo LGA), and the Iganmu Channel (Orile-Iganmu).
Wahab was accompanied by several key officials, including Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu (Special Adviser on Environment), Engr. Mahamood Adegbite (Permanent Secretary, Drainage Services), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin (MD, LAWMA), Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd, Corps Marshal, KAI), and Engr. Adefemi Afolabi (GM, LASWMO).
