The Lagos State Government has expressed appreciation to residents for their strong participation in the first full implementation of the revived monthly environmental sanitation exercise, which took place on Saturday across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, conveyed the government’s gratitude through a message shared on his official X account. He noted that the level of participation demonstrated a renewed sense of civic duty among Lagosians and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner environment.
According to him, residents who came out early in the morning to clean their surroundings, clear drainage channels, sweep streets, and improve sanitation in their neighbourhoods have shown commendable responsibility toward their communities. He described their efforts as evidence that the culture of collective responsibility is still strong within the state.
Wahab also acknowledged the leadership role played by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat in ensuring the return of the sanitation programme. He commended the administration for its determination in reintroducing and sustaining the exercise after years of suspension.
In addition, he recognised the contributions of the First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the wife of the Deputy Governor, Oluremi Hamzat, who were present to officially launch the exercise. Their involvement, he said, helped to set the tone for the day’s activities and encouraged wider participation from residents.
The commissioner further extended appreciation to the chairmen of all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in Lagos State. He praised them for their active role in mobilising communities at the grassroots level and ensuring that the exercise was effectively implemented across different parts of the state. He described their efforts as essential to the success of the initiative, noting that local leadership remains key to building and sustaining environmental awareness.
Transport unions were also commended for their cooperation. Wahab highlighted their role in mobilising members to take part in the sanitation activities, describing their involvement as an important demonstration of partnership between government and key stakeholders in society. He stressed that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of all sectors.
The sanitation exercise, which ran from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., marked the first full-scale observance since it was suspended in November 2016 following a court decision that restricted movement during sanitation hours. Before this statewide implementation, a symbolic launch had been held along the Mushin–Agege Motor Road corridor on March 14.
Ahead of the exercise, the state government had announced enforcement measures involving a joint task force comprising officials from the Ministry of Environment, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Kick Against Indiscipline, the Lagos Waste Management Authority, and local government sanitation officers. Residents were also warned that violations would attract penalties under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017. In addition, waste management trucks were deployed to collect refuse generated during the cleanup exercise.
To encourage long-term participation, the government also revealed plans to introduce monthly recognition awards for the cleanest local government area, council development area, and street.
Wahab concluded by reiterating the importance of sustained collaboration between government and citizens, stating that the vision for a cleaner and more livable Lagos can only be achieved through consistent partnership and shared responsibility.
