Lagos urges compliance as monthly sanitation resumes April 25

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, is reintroducing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, a move that has been met with a mix of anticipation and apprehension among residents. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab announced the resumption, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean and livable Lagos. This initiative, suspended in 2016, is set to recommence on April 25, 2026, with a dedicated two-hour window for cleaning surroundings and proper waste disposal.

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Monthly sanitation exercise commences on Saturday 25th April from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. across the state.

While many Lagosians welcome the return of the sanitation exercise, seeing it as a crucial step towards curbing indiscriminate waste disposal and mitigating flooding, others harbor reservations. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for abuse of movement restrictions by law enforcement, a sentiment that echoes past experiences. There's a call for the initiative to be complemented by robust public education on waste management, rather than relying solely on periodic clean-up drives.

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This is a reminder that sanitation is everyone’s responsibility. Residents are encouraged to clean their surroundings, dispose waste properly, and support efforts to keep our environment clean and safe.

From our perspective at The Punch, the reintroduction of this exercise highlights the ongoing challenges Lagos faces in waste management and urban cleanliness. It's a necessary step, but its success hinges on effective enforcement, community engagement, and a sustained commitment to environmental stewardship. The debate among residents underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both civic duty and the protection of citizens' rights.

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Together, we can achieve a cleaner and more livable Lagos.