By FABIAN EKERUCHE

Stakeholders in the waste management sector have expressed support and raised concerns over the proposed reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos State.

The stakeholders spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Tuesday in Lagos.

Dr Olubenga Adebola, the National President, Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, said members fully support the initiative recently flagged off by the state government.

Adebola commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, and LAWMA Managing Director, Mr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, for the move.

He described the exercise as timely, stressing that it would promote environmental cleanliness and improve public health awareness among residents.

Adebola, however, identified funding as a key concern, noting that all waste generated during the exercise must be evacuated, regardless of payment status.

He explained that current waste management follows a pay-as-you-go system, which may differ during the sanitation exercise.

According to him, stakeholders must agree on a funding model to ensure seamless evacuation of waste generated during the exercise.

Adebola also stressed the need for accessible dumpsites to enable operators to dispose of waste promptly and efficiently.

He urged government to ensure dumpsites are operational before the official commencement on April 25, 2026.

Adebola called for cost-reflective tariffs, noting that operational costs have increased while service charges have remained unchanged since 2022.

He emphasised the need for public enlightenment, urging residents to take ownership of environmental sanitation for sustainable impact.

Mr Franklyn Adebisi, the Coordinator, Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria, Lagos, described the reintroduction as a welcome development.

Adebisi said the initiative would help restore cleanliness across Lagos, urging stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.

He said waste collected should be promptly evacuated to avoid clogging roads and drainage systems.

He also called for fairness and professionalism among enforcement agencies during the exercise.

However, the Executive Director, Renevlyn Development Initiative, Mr Philip Jakpor, raised concerns about restricting movement for sanitation purposes.

Jakpor questioned the effectiveness of such measures, advocating for modern, integrated waste management systems.

He called for strategies focused on waste reduction, recycling, and reuse, rather than periodic sanitation exercises.

Mr Friday Oku, the President, Association of Scrap and Wastepickers of Lagos, expressed support for policies promoting environmental cleanliness.

Oku said such initiatives would encourage circular economy practices and enhance waste resource recovery in the state.

NAN reports that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos was, until 2016, a mandatory statewide cleanup held on the last Saturday of every month, with restriction of movement to promote public hygiene.

However, in March 2015, a Federal High Court ruled that the restriction of movement during the exercise was unconstitutional, citing violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Following the ruling, the state government under Akinwunmi Ambode formally suspended the exercise in November 2016, opting instead for structured waste management systems.

Between 2016 and 2025, authorities relied on continuous waste collection and private sector participation, amid persistent challenges such as indiscriminate refuse disposal and clogged drainage.

Rising environmental concerns and flooding in recent years prompted renewed calls for the exercise’s return.

Consequently, the state government in 2026 announced its reintroduction, with a modified approach that removes movement restrictions and emphasises voluntary compliance. (NAN)

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