Lagos State Government Approves Return of Monthly Sanitation Exercise

 The Lagos State Government has announced plans to reintroduce the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, which was suspended in 2016. This initiative aims to promote a cleaner, safer, and flood-free Lagos.

The decision to reinstate the program comes in response to increasing environmental challenges, including clogged drainage systems and frequent flooding due to heavy rainfall. These issues have been exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth in the state.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the development in a 21-second video posted on the Lagos State Environmental Update X handle. He stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the State Executive Council have approved the reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise. The governor is expected to make an official announcement soon.

The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was previously held on the last Saturday of every month, during which residents were required to clean their surroundings between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. However, the practice was discontinued in November 2016 following a Court of Appeal ruling that declared the restriction of movement during the exercise as unconstitutional. The court's decision was based on a case filed by a lawyer who argued that the movement restrictions violated citizens' rights.

In light of recent environmental concerns, the state government has decided to bring back the sanitation exercise to address issues such as waste management, pollution, and flooding. The reintroduced program will focus on community participation and public education to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents.

The Lagos State Government urges all residents to actively participate in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise to achieve the collective goal of a cleaner and safer Lagos.