Sanwo-Olu declares war on waste in Lagos

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has issued a final warning to illegal occupants and structures on the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, directing relevant agencies to commence a large-scale demolition and clean-up operation along the axis from Monday, as part of efforts to restore order and improve environmental sanitation.

Speaking to journalists during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise at Itire Road in Surulere Local Government Area of the state, on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu said the government would no longer tolerate the illegal occupation of the road median, describing it as an abuse of public infrastructure, an eyesore, and a threat to the ongoing reconstruction of the 10-lane super-highway.

On the governor’s entourage was his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, and the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

Sanwo-Olu said the exercise would cover the stretch from Orile Iganmu to Okokomaiko, warning that all illegal structures on the corridor would be removed, sparing no one.

According to the governor, “This is the final notice to everyone occupying the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. From next week, we are coming to clear the entire median. Everything there will go. Every illegal structure will be removed,” he declared.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that the median was designed as part of the highway infrastructure and not for commercial activities or habitation.

He continued: “It is not meant to be a market. It is not meant to be a place where people erect structures. It is a highway median, and we must preserve it, especially considering the huge public investment on that corridor.

“We will deploy thousands of enforcement personnel in the operation to ensure strict compliance with environmental and physical planning laws.

“We are coming with all the necessary manpower and equipment. We will remain there until the job is completed. No one should expect any exemption; we are not sparing anyone.”

Sanwo-Olu also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to improving waste management across the state through increased investment in sanitation infrastructure.

Lagos procures more 150 compactors

He explained that the government had already ordered 150 additional compactors to strengthen waste evacuation across Lagos, adding that the first batch would arrive within the next three months.

Sanwo-Olu added that the state, in collaboration with local governments, was also procuring smaller compactor trucks, tricycle form, capable of accessing inner streets and estates to improve refuse evacuation and disposal.

According to him, “This administration is simultaneously investing in long-term waste processing infrastructure, including a modern material recovery and recycling facility capable of processing about 4,250 metric tonnes of waste daily.”

Sanwo-Olu said the recycling plant, expected to become operational next year, will significantly reduce pressure on landfill sites by converting waste into reusable materials.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that some Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators were facing operational challenges due to rising costs and inadequate equipment but assured residents that government interventions were underway to improve their capacity.

He, however, urged residents to support the waste management system by paying their waste disposal bills promptly.

“Waste management is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a collective responsibility. Residents must also play their part by paying for waste collection services. That is what enables the PSP operators to continue providing efficient services,” Sanwo-Olu affirmed.

The governor reiterated that environmental sanitation remains a key priority of his administration, stressing that Lagos generates tens of thousands of tonnes of waste daily and requires the cooperation of government, businesses and residents to keep the state clean.

He also encouraged parents to involve their children in sanitation activities to instill environmental responsibility from an early age, describing cleanliness as essential to building a healthier and more sustainable Lagos.

The commissioner subsequently visited the Olusosun landfill site which is being converted into a recovery and recycling plant, to assess the level of work on the project.

Wahab, in an interview with newsmen, disclosed that the project is expected to be ready in the first quarter of 2027.

Also, participating in the third monthly exercise at the Kosofe area simultaneously, Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring environmental discipline across the state.

Agoro declared that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise has come to stay, and initiative aimed at changing residents’ attitude towards cleanliness.

He said the government would sustain advocacy and enforcement to ensure residents take greater responsibility for their environment.

Responding to concerns over the level of participation by residents, Agoro said the turnout was encouraging despite some people initially failing to come out.

He urged residents to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse, stressing that the government alone could not keep Lagos clean.

“When people travel abroad, they obey environmental laws and avoid littering. We should show the same discipline here at home. Personally, when I have waste in my car, I keep it until I find a proper waste bin. Government cannot do everything; we all have a role to play,” Agoro stated.

The Head of Service also addressed complaints over irregular waste collection by some Private Sector Participation, PSP, operators, assuring residents that the government would investigate the situation to determine the cause.

On public safety, Agoro disclosed that officials inspected a distressed one-storey building with visible cracks on Akewusola Salami Street, adding that the Ministry of Physical Planning would conduct a structural assessment and take appropriate action, including demolition, if the building is found to be unsafe.

During the exercise, officials sealed Houses 7 and 9 on Olorunfunmi Street, Oworonshoki, over filthy surroundings and poor environmental sanitation.

Agoro also called on corporate organisations to strengthen partnerships with the state through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, noting that private sector collaboration would further enhance efforts to build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.

The enforcement team, led by Agoro, also inspected Olayiwola Street, Akewusola Salami Street, Alaba Street and Oyenubi Abiola Street, where residents were sensitised on proper waste disposal and environmental compliance.

Speaking during the exercise, Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Mr. Moyosore Ogunlewe, said the council would continue to support the state’s environmental sanitation initiative through sustained enforcement and public enlightenment.

“We have to keep doing this. This is the third time we’ve embarked on this exercise. As a government, we will continue to do our best to ensure that the environment is clean for the people,” Ogunlewe said.