Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has pledged to intensify public engagement and environmental advocacy following renewed concerns over irregular waste collection, as residents participated in the May edition of the monthly sanitation exercise across the state.
The exercise, held between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., saw participation from top government officials, including the First Lady, Dr Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, who joined residents at Orisumbare in Shasha, Alimosho Local Government Area.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, acknowledged complaints from residents regarding inconsistent refuse evacuation by Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.
Wahab said the government had taken note of the concerns and would engage waste operators to identify and resolve operational challenges affecting service delivery, particularly in densely populated areas like Alimosho.
He noted that while participation in the sanitation exercise had improved despite the recent festive period, sustaining environmental cleanliness would require both efficient waste management systems and continuous public sensitisation.
According to him, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) would convene a meeting with PSP operators to address bottlenecks hindering timely refuse collection.
The commissioner also commended the Alimosho Local Government for deploying additional compactor trucks to support LAWMA operations, describing the move as critical to managing the high volume of waste generated in the area.
Wahab further disclosed that the state government would soon release performance rankings of local government areas based on cleanliness, as part of efforts to incentivise compliance and promote competition.
Meanwhile, the Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, who monitored the exercise in Apapa Local Government Area, said the gradual increase in participation indicated growing public acceptance of the initiative.
Agoro stressed that sustained advocacy was necessary to entrench a culture of cleanliness among residents, warning that poor sanitation creates breeding grounds for diseases.
“We must continue to push awareness to demonstrate government’s commitment. A clean environment is essential for public health and overall well-being,” he said.
He added that the government’s goal was to encourage voluntary compliance rather than enforcement, noting that collective responsibility remained key to the success of the exercise.
READ ALSO: Debate Gap: Lagos Initiative Confronts Nigeria’s Absence on Global Academic Stage
Police unveil ultra-modern I-GP Olukayode Egbetokun Conference Hall in Lagos
The sanitation exercise, recently reintroduced after nearly a decade-long suspension, is part of broader efforts by the state government to improve environmental hygiene and public health outcomes.
Other officials who participated in the monitoring exercise included local government chairpersons, permanent secretaries, and directors from relevant ministries and agencies.
(NAN)
About The Author
