Sanwo-Olu declares war on waste in Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared a "war on waste," issuing a final warning to illegal occupants and structures along the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. He directed relevant agencies to commence a large-scale demolition and clean-up operation starting Monday, aiming to restore order and enhance environmental sanitation along the critical corridor.

“

This is the final notice to everyone occupying the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. From next week, we are coming to clear the entire median. Everything there will go. Every illegal structure will be removed

Sanwo-Olu, speaking during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise at Itire Road in Surulere, described the illegal occupation of the road median as an abuse of public infrastructure, an eyesore, and a direct threat to the ongoing reconstruction of the 10-lane super-highway. He emphasized that the median was designed as part of the highway infrastructure, not for commercial activities or habitation.

“

It is not meant to be a market. It is not meant to be a place where people erect structures. It is a highway median, and we must preserve it, especially considering the huge public investment on that corridor.

"This is the final notice to everyone occupying the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. From next week, we are coming to clear the entire median. Everything there will go. Every illegal structure will be removed," Sanwo-Olu declared. He assured that thousands of enforcement personnel and necessary equipment would be deployed to ensure strict compliance with environmental and physical planning laws, stating, "No one should expect any exemption; we are not sparing anyone."

“

We will deploy thousands of enforcement personnel in the operation to ensure strict compliance with environmental and physical planning laws.

Beyond the immediate clean-up, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving waste management across Lagos. The state has ordered 150 additional compactors to bolster waste evacuation, with the first batch expected within three months. Smaller compactor trucks and tricycle-based units are also being procured to reach inner streets and estates. Furthermore, Lagos is investing in long-term waste processing infrastructure, including a modern material recovery and recycling facility designed to process approximately 4,250 metric tonnes of waste daily, expected to become operational next year.

“

We are coming with all the necessary manpower and equipment. We will remain there until the job is completed. No one should expect any exemption; we are not sparing anyone.