Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has announced the return of monthly environmental sanitation in Lagos, reviving a civic exercise that had been suspended for about a decade following legal issues related to movement restrictions.
Government Restores Long-Standing Clean-Up Exercise
Governor Sanwo-Olu officially flagged off the reintroduction of the sanitation programme, describing it as a crucial step towards restoring a culture of environmental responsibility across the state. The exercise will now hold on the last Saturday of every month from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m..
According to the governor, the initiative is designed to improve cleanliness in Africa’s largest city and encourage residents to take greater responsibility for their surroundings.
No Movement Restrictions This Time
Unlike the previous system where residents were restricted from moving during the exercise, authorities said movement will not be banned during the sanitation hours. Instead, the government plans to rely on enforcement and public cooperation to ensure compliance.
Officials stressed that maintaining a clean environment is not solely the government’s responsibility but requires active participation from residents across communities.
Why the Exercise Was Suspended
The monthly sanitation exercise, once a routine civic activity in Lagos, was suspended in 2016 after a court ruling challenged the legality of restricting people’s movement during the programme.
However, authorities say the growing challenge of waste disposal, blocked drainage channels and environmental pollution has made the revival of the programme necessary.
What Residents Are Expected To Do
Residents are expected to:
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Clean their immediate surroundings
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Clear drainage channels around their homes
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Properly dispose of refuse through approved waste collectors
The government says the initiative forms part of a broader effort to improve public hygiene, reduce flooding, and strengthen environmental awareness across the state.
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