The Lagos State Government is set to formally reintroduce the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise as part of efforts to tackle increasing sanitation challenges across the metropolis.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Sunday during an inspection tour of areas facing significant sanitation issues, including Idi-Araba, Orile Iganmu, and Alaba Rago Market.

Wahab stated that the planned reintroduction of the exercise is among several measures aimed at promoting a cleaner, flood-free, and more sustainable Lagos.

He noted that a formal commencement date will be announced soon.

“The state understands the essence of proper sanitation and has resolved to commence the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. A formal commencement date will be made public soon,” Wahab stated.

The Commissioner decried the alarming level of illegal waste disposal and environmental abuse in several communities, particularly in Idi-Araba, where a syndicate is allegedly aiding illegal cart-pushing operations and operating a disused dumpsite.

“There is a law on environmental management and protection in the state which prohibits cart-pushing. In the past few weeks and months, there has been a major enforcement drive against this, which will be stepped up,” he said.

At Alaba Rago Market, Wahab expressed concern over unsanitary practices by traders, including indiscriminate waste dumping on road medians and the expansion of market stalls onto drainage alignments and roadways.

“They have turned the median into a dumpsite. The market has extended onto the road and blocked drainage systems. We’ve given them till tomorrow evening to clear these infractions; afterwards, we’ll determine if the market should be sealed,” he said.

At Orile Iganmu, the government discovered severe blockages in the Iganmu Channel caused by indiscriminate dumping. Wahab ordered the deployment of swamp buggies next week to clear the channel and restore free flow of stormwater.

The Commissioner also revealed that more than 100 trucks from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) have been deployed across the state to assist areas where Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators are underperforming.

“You can’t refuse to pay for waste collection and then throw tantrums when the service falters. It’s your waste. Lagos has 377 wards and 377 PSP operators. If residents pay, operators will be obligated to deliver,” he said.

Wahab urged residents to support government efforts by avoiding illegal waste disposal and taking ownership of public infrastructure. He stressed the importance of proper waste bagging and patronage of accredited PSP operators.

The Commissioner was accompanied on the inspection by the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; LAWMA Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; KAI Corps Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd); LASWMO General Manager, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi; and other senior officials.

Areas visited during the inspection included Ojerinde, Ewunmi, Wonuola, Takuro, Paul Okuntola, and Taiwo Streets in Idi-Araba; Alaba Rago Market along the Badagry Expressway, Ojo LGA; and the Iganmu Channel in Orile-Iganmu (The nation)