Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended residents of Lagos for their active participation in the reintroduced monthly Sanitation Day, describing the response as encouraging and important for public health.
The sanitation exercise, which held on Saturday, saw residents across different parts of the state come out to clean their surroundings. Areas such as Ikorodu, Badagry, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Alimoso, Ikeja, and Agege reportedly recorded strong turnout, according to the state government.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the governor expressed appreciation to Lagosians for supporting the initiative. He noted that keeping the environment clean is not only the responsibility of the government but also a duty for all residents.
“I thank Lagosians who joined the call to clean up our environment as a sure step to good health. That is patriotic; it is the Spirit of Lagos that we often speak about. We should continue to walk that path,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The monthly Sanitation Day was recently reintroduced by the Lagos State Government as part of efforts to improve environmental hygiene and reduce the risk of diseases. The programme had existed in the past but was later stopped, leading to concerns about waste management and cleanliness in many parts of the state.
With Lagos being Nigeria’s most populated city, waste management has remained a major challenge over the years. Rapid population growth, increased commercial activities, and urban expansion have placed pressure on the state’s sanitation systems. In many areas, poor waste disposal habits and blocked drainage channels have contributed to flooding and the spread of diseases.
Sanwo-Olu used the opportunity to remind residents of the dangers of indiscriminate dumping of refuse, especially as the rainy season approaches. He warned that improper waste disposal could lead to blocked drains, which in turn may cause flooding in several parts of the state.
The governor stressed that the government is already taking steps to prevent such incidents. According to the statement, authorities have intensified the clearing of gutters and drainage systems across Lagos in preparation for expected heavy rainfall in the coming months.
Flooding has been a recurring problem in Lagos, particularly during the rainy season. Low-lying areas and communities with poor drainage systems are often the most affected, leading to property damage, traffic disruption, and health risks.
To address this, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has been working to improve drainage infrastructure and ensure that waterways are free from waste. The government believes that residents also have a key role to play by avoiding actions that can block these systems.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the state government has launched a public awareness campaign against indiscriminate waste disposal. The campaign is being carried out by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
Officials say the campaign aims to educate residents on proper waste management practices and encourage them to take responsibility for their environment. It also focuses on the dangers of dumping refuse in gutters, canals, and other drainage channels.
Residents in different parts of Lagos who took part in the sanitation exercise expressed mixed views. While many welcomed the return of the monthly clean-up, others called for more consistent waste collection services and stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
Some residents noted that while they are willing to keep their surroundings clean, the government must ensure that waste disposal systems are efficient and accessible. They also called for penalties for individuals and businesses that violate sanitation rules.
Environmental advocates have also stressed the need for sustained efforts beyond monthly exercises. They argue that long-term solutions require continuous public education, investment in waste management infrastructure, and enforcement of environmental regulations.
Despite these challenges, Saturday’s sanitation exercise is seen as a positive step toward improving cleanliness in Lagos. The government hopes that with continued participation and cooperation from residents, the initiative will lead to lasting change.
Sanwo-Olu encouraged Lagosians to make environmental cleanliness a daily habit rather than a once-a-month activity. He said maintaining a clean environment is essential for good health, economic growth, and the overall development of the state.
As the rainy season draws closer, the success of such initiatives may play a crucial role in reducing the impact of flooding and ensuring a safer environment for millions of people living in Lagos.