No court invalidated Lagos sanitation exercise – Official
Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab. Credit: X | Tokunbo Wahab
The Lagos State Government has insisted that its monthly environmental sanitation exercise remains valid and will proceed as scheduled, stating that no court decision has invalidated the initiative.
In a statement ahead of the exercise set for 6:30 am to 8:30 am on Saturday, the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on X on Friday, dismissed claims that the programme had been halted by a court ruling.
“No court pronouncement has invalidated this exercise. The state proceeded to the Court of Appeal, and judgment was delivered in our favour. The court affirmed that the laws used for the implementation and enforcement of environmental sanitation are legitimate and constitutional,” he said.
He urged residents to disregard what he described as misinformation surrounding the legality of the exercise.
“Disregard those who choose to mislead the public,” the statement added.
Officials said the monthly sanitation exercise had been carefully planned over an extended period and was necessary to improve environmental conditions across the state.
“We have planned this for over a year. We have thought it through. We cannot keep complaining about dirty surroundings and blaming the government while shirking our own responsibilities. The care of our environment is a collaborative project between government and citizens,” he added.
He also highlighted cooperation from transport unions, which it said would help ensure compliance during the two-hour window.
“Major transport unions controlling about 90 percent of vehicles on our roads have pledged not to deploy their vehicles from major parks during the sanitation window.
“If government vehicles are staying put, what will it cost us to stay home for just two hours to clean our environment?” he asked.
Authorities noted that exceptions would be made for emergencies, scheduled flights, and students sitting examinations such as JAMB.
“We are not unreasonable. Exceptions exist for emergencies, scheduled flights, and students writing JAMB exams,” he averred.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been fully mobilised to evacuate waste generated during the exercise, while environmental health officers are expected to monitor compliance and issue abatement notices to defaulters.
“Tomorrow, let us show Lagos and the world that we are ready to take ownership of our environment.
“Two hours. One Saturday each month. A cleaner, healthier, flood-free Lagos for all of us,” he urged.
