Environment Commissioner, Wahab, 57 Lagos Council Boss Hold Strategic Meeting Ahead of Re-introduced Monthly Sanitation Exercise

The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, and Office of Environmental Services, on Tuesday convened a strategic meeting with Conference 57 and the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, to deliberate on modalities for the successful re-introduction and implementation of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise across the State.

In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, said the meeting was convened to secure the Council bosses’ support and in furtherance of their shared commitment to restoring the culture of cleanliness across Lagos.

Wahab stated that achieving a cleaner, flood-free and sustainable environment requires collaboration between the State Government, Local Governments and residents.

“Last month, Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, formally launched the re-introduced Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise as a call for Lagosians to take responsibility for their immediate environment,” Wahab stated.

He added; “With Lagos generating about 13,000 to 14,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, the challenge of waste management requires collective and consistent action.

“As part of the implementation strategy, State EXCO members, Local Government Chairmen and senior officials will be assigned to various locations to monitor compliance during the designated sanitation periods. A monitoring and enforcement team will also be deployed to ensure effectiveness.

“In addition, we will introduce a monthly award for the cleanest Local Government or LCDA, with incentives attached, to encourage healthy competition and reward commitment to environmental cleanliness.

“We also urged all Chairmen to intensify public enlightenment on proper waste disposal and discourage dumping refuse on roads, medians, open spaces, drainages and canals.

“I appreciate the commitment of the Conference 57 Chairman, Hon. Sesan Olowa, and all 57 Chairmen who pledged their full support for the initiative. Their collaboration is critical to restoring environmental discipline and sustaining a cleaner Lagos.

“Together, we will rebuild the culture of sanitation and create a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment for all,” the Commissioner stated.

Speaking on behalf of Conference 57, the Chairman, Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, outlined key strategic takeaways necessary for the success of the exercise.

He emphasized three core areas: advocacy and awareness, stakeholder engagement, and waste management re-orientation at the grassroots level.

Olowa highlighted the need to intensify advocacy and public sensitization efforts, particularly through Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs), while also engaging critical stakeholders such as market men and women, traditional rulers, and community leaders to drive grassroots participation.

He further spoke on operational efficiency, stressing the importance of proper coordination among operators and logistics teams, and reaffirmed the pivotal role of local governments in driving the initiative.

According to him, Local Government Secretariats across the State must serve as central coordinating hubs for all State agencies and Local Government monitoring teams to ensure seamless and effective operations.

Additionally, the Chairman underscored the necessity for strict and thorough enforcement during the sanitation exercise, noting that compliance and accountability are essential to achieving the desired environmental outcomes.