A fresh debate has emerged in Lagos State over the legality of restricting movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, as human rights lawyer Femi Falana called on residents to ignore any such directive.
Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said there is no legal basis for preventing citizens from moving freely during the exercise. According to him, residents are at liberty to go about their normal activities, as no law currently enforces compulsory restriction during the sanitation period.
His position comes in direct contrast to that of the Lagos State Government, which has maintained that the sanitation programme remains in force. The government recently advised residents to stay indoors and take part in the cleanup scheduled for Saturday, April 25, between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
The disagreement highlights a wider issue about how environmental policies are enforced in Nigeria’s largest city, especially when they affect basic rights such as freedom of movement.
Falana, in his remarks, argued that the restriction of movement during sanitation exercises is outdated and not suitable in a democratic society. He said such practices date back to military rule, when strict controls were often placed on citizens without legal backing.
“The Lagos State Government cannot afford to continue with the military legacy of restricting the movement of citizens,” he said.
He further explained that, based on available information, the state government has not formally reintroduced compulsory movement restrictions as part of the sanitation programme. This, he said, means residents are free to carry out their daily activities without fear of arrest or punishment.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the restriction of movement is voluntary and not compulsory,” Falana stated.
However, he acknowledged that the government still encourages residents to clean their surroundings during the designated period and to cooperate with waste management officials.
On the other hand, the Lagos State Government has strongly defended its position, insisting that the sanitation exercise is backed by law and remains an important tool for maintaining public health and environmental cleanliness.
In a statement shared on social media, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, dismissed claims that a court had invalidated the exercise.
He said the state had taken the matter to the Court of Appeal, which ruled in its favour. According to Wahab, the court affirmed that the laws guiding the implementation and enforcement of environmental sanitation are both legal and constitutional.
“No court pronouncement has invalidated this exercise,” Wahab said. “The judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal confirmed that the sanitation laws are valid.”
He urged residents to ignore what he described as misinformation about the legality of the exercise and to continue supporting government efforts to keep the city clean.
The monthly environmental sanitation programme was reintroduced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on March 14, as part of renewed efforts to improve waste management and sanitation across the state.
On that day, the governor, alongside Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and other top officials, participated in a cleanup exercise at Agege Motor Road in Mushin. The move signaled a return to a practice that had once been a regular feature in Lagos.
Environmental sanitation exercises were widely observed in Nigeria in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly during military regimes. Residents were required to stay indoors for a few hours on designated days to clean their homes and surroundings, while government officials monitored compliance.
Over time, however, the strict enforcement of movement restrictions became less common, especially with the return to democratic rule in 1999. Critics argued that such measures were too harsh and could disrupt economic activities in a busy city like Lagos.
Supporters of the policy, however, say it plays an important role in promoting cleanliness and preventing the spread of diseases. Lagos, with its large and growing population, faces serious challenges related to waste disposal, drainage, and flooding.
Blocked drains and poor waste management have been linked to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and malaria, especially during the rainy season. Authorities believe that regular sanitation exercises can help address these issues by encouraging residents to take responsibility for their environment.
Falana, while supporting the goal of environmental cleanliness, questioned the method of enforcement. He said policies aimed at improving public health should not violate constitutional rights.
He also pointed to the state’s financial commitment to environmental management as evidence that there are other ways to achieve the same goal. According to him, the Lagos State Government has allocated about N236 billion in its 2026 budget for waste management, drainage development, and environmental protection.
With such funding, he argued, the government should focus on strengthening waste collection systems, improving infrastructure, and raising public awareness, rather than restricting movement.
The disagreement between Falana and the state government has sparked public discussion, with many residents expressing mixed views. While some support the sanitation exercise and see it as necessary, others question the need for movement restrictions in a modern city.
For traders, transport operators, and other workers who depend on daily income, even a few hours of restricted movement can affect their earnings. This has added to concerns about how the policy is implemented.
As the debate continues, it remains unclear whether the government will review its approach or maintain its current stance. What is certain, however, is that the issue has brought attention to the balance between public health measures and individual rights.