Wahab clears the Air: Lagos’ Sanitation drive not borne out of wickedness

The Lagos State Government (LASG) on Wednesday reiterated that its commitment to enforcing environmental laws across the state is not rooted in high-handedness or malice.

Speaking during the “Ask Lagos Live” session on X Space, with the topic “Lagos and the Battle for a Clean, Sustainable, and Resilient Environment,” Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents to view the enforcement actions as essential for good governance rather than acts of cruelty.

Wahab expressed his gratitude to Lagosians and appealed for collective action to improve the environment for future generations. He assured that although progress is being made, the government will remain vigilant in its efforts.

He reaffirmed the current administration’s commitment to upholding the state’s environmental laws, including those addressing noise pollution, street trading, and street partying, which aim to benefit the majority of residents.

As part of the state’s drive to sanitise the environment, Wahab revealed that several religious institutions, including churches and mosques, had been sealed for violating noise pollution regulations.

He stressed that such establishments should not disturb residents with their activities.

Wahab highlighted that Lagos, with its unique topography and small landmass, is home to about 10% of Nigeria’s population and experiences significant daily influxes of people, creating pressure on infrastructure, including environmental resources.

He emphasized the importance of treating the environment well, noting that with the state’s resilient infrastructure, Lagos has managed to handle liquid waste and the 13,000 tons of municipal solid waste generated daily.

Waste management, Wahab stated, remains a key focus, with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) tackling the issue head-on.

He said the introduction of Private Sector Participants (PSPs) was a significant step, although it has been hampered by residents’ reluctance to pay for waste disposal services.

Over the past year, Wahab shared that the government has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with reputable companies to explore waste conversion and waste-to-wealth initiatives. The government is also working towards decommissioning major landfill sites across the state.

Wahab noted the continuous growth of the city and stressed the need for every resident to take responsibility for the environment.

He urged people not to dispose of waste in drainage systems, as this contributes to bad behaviour and burdens LAWMA.

He also reminded Lagosians that PSP operators are available to collect waste across the state.

The commissioner mentioned that in recent years, the government has been focusing on building resilient infrastructure to manage stormwater and mitigate flash flooding, particularly in flood-prone areas.

Addressing specific flooding issues, Wahab explained how individuals had previously blocked drainage systems, resulting in annual flooding in certain areas. However, the government collaborated with residents and developers to devise solutions, including funding part of the necessary infrastructure improvements.

Wahab urged residents to consider the devastating floods in countries like Germany, stressing that Lagos cannot afford to let its coastal location destroy the livelihoods of its over 22 million residents.

Looking ahead, he outlined the upcoming ban on single-use plastics, which will come into effect in January 2025, as well as the full enforcement of the ban on styrofoam food containers.

He also shared that the government plans to set up a fund to facilitate the buy-back of used sachets of water, with a policy in place that aligns with global environmental standards.

Wahab concluded by discussing the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle open defecation, including the establishment of enforcement teams and the application of non-custodial sentences for offenders, particularly those who show remorse.