The Lagos State Government has praised residents for their active participation in the first full-scale edition of the reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise held on Saturday.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, conveyed the government’s appreciation via his official X account, describing the large turnout as a strong indication of renewed civic responsibility among Lagosians.
He commended residents for taking ownership of their surroundings by clearing drainage channels, sweeping streets, and maintaining cleaner environments across communities.
According to Wahab, the exercise reflects a collective commitment to preserving the state’s environmental integrity.
He noted that the enthusiasm displayed by residents demonstrates that the culture of shared responsibility remains deeply rooted in Lagos.
The commissioner also lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for their steadfast commitment to reinstating the sanitation programme.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the Deputy Governor’s wife, Oluremi Hamzat, who led activities marking the commencement of the exercise.
Wahab extended commendation to local government chairmen across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas, highlighting their role in driving participation at the grassroots level.
He described their leadership as central to rebuilding a sustainable culture of environmental responsibility.
Transport unions were also recognised for mobilising their members to support the initiative, a development the commissioner said underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving a cleaner Lagos.
Saturday’s exercise, conducted between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., marks the first comprehensive implementation of the sanitation programme since its suspension in November 2016.
The suspension followed a court ruling that restricted the enforcement of movement during sanitation periods.
Before the statewide rollout, a symbolic launch of the exercise had taken place along the Mushin–Agege Motor Road corridor on March 14.
To ensure compliance, the state government deployed a joint enforcement team comprising officials from the Ministry of Environment, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Kick Against Indiscipline unit, Lagos Waste Management Authority, and local government sanitation officers.
Authorities had earlier warned that violators would face penalties in accordance with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
In addition, waste management trucks were strategically positioned to evacuate refuse generated during the exercise.
Looking ahead, the government announced plans to introduce a reward system to sustain public participation.
The initiative will recognise the cleanest local government area, local council development area, and street on a monthly basis.
Wahab reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering continued collaboration with residents, stressing that achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos depends on consistent partnership between authorities and the public.
