Lagos Govt speaks on arrest of woman cooking on Lekki road

The Lagos State Government has explained why a woman was arrested by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) after she was caught cooking on a road median in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1.

In a statement by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the government said the woman’s action violated environmental and sanitation laws guiding the use of public spaces in the state.

According to the ministry, the woman claimed she was carrying out a charitable cooking activity, but such initiatives must comply with Lagos environmental regulations to ensure public safety and order.

“The Lagos State Government appreciates the spirit of philanthropy and community support shown by many residents,” the statement read. “However, all charitable activities must be done in line with extant laws to protect public infrastructure and maintain urban order.”

The ministry stressed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to keeping Lagos clean, sustainable, and livable for all.

“Using public infrastructure such as road medians for personal or commercial activities is prohibited. It poses risks to infrastructure, creates health hazards, and disrupts traffic flow,” the statement said.

It added that the enforcement, including the woman’s arrest and the removal of her equipment, was part of the ongoing #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos campaigns to preserve the city’s aesthetic and functional integrity.

The ministry advised residents to seek proper authorization or use designated spaces for such activities, urging charity organizers to work with relevant agencies for guidance.

“This will help amplify the impact of goodwill while safeguarding our shared urban spaces,” the statement concluded.