The Lagos State Transport Union leaders on Wednesday met with the Lagos State Government, pledging their support for the re-introduced environmental sanitation exercise.

They declared that no commercial vehicle will load passengers at parks and garages between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month.

The commitment was made during a strategic meeting presided over by the State Commissioners for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, and Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi.

Representing the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), State Secretary Comrade Usman Teslim pledged full support from the union for the success of the exercise.

He said all transporters under NURTW would dedicate the 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. period to cleaning their homes and surrounding areas before resuming commercial activities.

Teslim also affirmed that NURTW would form task forces within its units to enforce the decision, which aims to benefit all residents. He noted that the union’s operating laws require it to support the policy pronouncements of the government where it operates.

He highlighted that the practice of placing waste bins in public buses remains in effect, helping commuters dispose of waste appropriately.

Echoing this commitment, the State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Comrade Shamsudeen Ajala, represented by Deputy State Secretary Comrade Kaojue Abolaji, said RTEAN would reach out to all affiliate unions and branches to ensure that on the last Saturday of every month, all vehicles would only pick passengers after 8:30 a.m.

State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated that the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu is leading efforts to achieve a cleaner, flood-free, and sustainable environment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with stakeholders.

He noted that the meeting was necessary because a large portion of Lagos residents rely on public transportation, both road and water, with the informal sector accounting for over 70% of operators. He stressed the need to secure their cooperation.

“If we all agree with the government that we want a cleaner state and a successful initiative, we must cooperate to ensure its success,” Wahab said.

The Commissioner added that the sanitation initiative is already in place every Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. In markets across Lagos, where traders participate in cleaning activities, and this practice should be extended to homes.

He urged union leaders to communicate the resolution to their counterparts in neighboring states to encourage compliance and cooperation. He also called on transport stakeholders to educate commuters on the dangers of improper waste disposal, including dumping waste in open spaces, roads, medians, drainages, and canals.

Meanwhile, Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi also sought the support of informal sector transport operators, noting that formal sector operators should participate to ensure the success of the monthly sanitation exercise.

He urged union chairmen and members to collaborate with the state government, take ownership of the initiative, and ensure compliance to promote cleanliness and good sanitation practices. (Channels TV)