Lagos State Clarifies Sanitation Rules Amid Waste Collection Failures

The Lagos State Government clarified on Saturday that there are no legal restrictions on movement during its monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab stated that any arrests made on the basis of movement are unlawful, emphasizing that the state intends to promote sanitation as a civic responsibility rather than through enforcement.

This clarification comes as residents in Alimosho and Surulere reported significant service failures. Despite the reintroduction of the sanitation exercise in April 2026, residents claim that Private Sector Participation trucks have failed to evacuate refuse for weeks or months. These waste heaps are reportedly blocking drainage channels, which exacerbates flooding and increases mosquito populations during the rainy season.

Responding to these challenges, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Managing Director Muyiwa Gbadegesin attributed the delays to rapid population growth and flooding at the Olusosun dumpsite. Gbadegesin announced that waste collection challenges would be reduced within six to eight months through the procurement of additional vehicles and the construction of new disposal facilities. He further noted the development of a material recovery facility in Badagry to treat waste and generate revenue. Meanwhile, APC deputy governorship candidate Damilola James urged residents in Vetho Ajara to maintain regular cleaning to prevent seasonal flooding.