By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State Government has announced the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, which will take effect from April 25, 2026.
The exercise was officially flagged off by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along the Mushin–Agege Motor Road corridor, where he led government officials and sanitation workers in the clean-up exercise.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, explained that the exercise would now take place on the last Saturday of every month between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
He noted that unlike previous years, residents would not be subjected to movement restrictions during the sanitation period, following a court ruling that nullified the compulsory restriction of movement previously enforced during sanitation hours.
The governor said the renewed initiative is aimed at restoring environmental cleanliness across the state while encouraging residents to take responsibility for maintaining their surroundings.
According to him, the Mushin corridor was deliberately selected for the flag-off due to the visible sanitation challenges in the area.
Sanwo-Olu described the sanitation exercise as a practice that once served as a source of national pride, stressing that building a clean city requires the active participation of residents.
He also expressed concern over the level of dirt in several communities, stating that environmental cleanliness should become a civic responsibility rather than a task left solely to government.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the revival of the exercise reflects the government’s renewed commitment to public health and environmental sustainability.
Wahab added that the initiative aligns with the administration’s development agenda, which prioritises a safe, clean and flood-free environment for residents.
He explained that residents are expected to clean their homes, surroundings and drainage channels in front of their houses during the exercise, while officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority will evacuate properly bagged waste.
According to him, environmental sanitation is essential for promoting hygiene, protecting public health and improving life expectancy through cleaner surroundings.
The commissioner also urged residents to take ownership of their environment by disposing of waste responsibly and maintaining cleanliness at all times.
He further disclosed that agencies under the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, including Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and the Kick Against Indiscipline corps, will collaborate to strengthen sanitation enforcement across the state.
Wahab warned residents against environmental offences such as illegal waste disposal, trading in unauthorised locations, burning refuse and patronising cart pushers, noting that the Lagos Environmental Law remains in force.
He added that consistent sanitation efforts would also help reduce flooding across the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu called on residents, traders, transport operators, market leaders and community development associations to support the initiative by mobilising people ahead of each sanitation exercise.
He assured that the state government will continue to strengthen waste management systems and enforce environmental regulations in order to achieve a cleaner and safer Lagos.
