Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State reintroduced the monthly environmental sanitation exercise on Sunday.
The exercise, previously canceled in November 2016 by former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, had taken place from 7 am to 10 am on the last Saturday of every month. Ambode’s Commissioner for Information, Steve Ayorinde, explained that the restriction was inappropriate for a megacity like Lagos, where commercial activities should not be halted for three hours. Ayorinde also mentioned that the decision aimed to review and update environmental laws and procedures to meet modern challenges and promote a healthy environment.
The cancellation followed a Lagos Appeal Court judgment that nullified the exercise, deeming it illegal and prohibiting the state government from restricting movement.
Sanwo-Olu relaunched the sanitation exercise at Campus playground, Lagos Island, urging residents and stakeholders to cooperate for its success. Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the reintroduced exercise encourages residents to clean their homes, surroundings, and drainages, with Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) officials collecting and properly disposing of well-bagged waste. Wahab emphasized that the exercise aims to promote cleanliness, community participation in waste management, and reduce disease risks.