Lagos State Government Mobilizes 57 Council Chairmen for Monthly Sanitation Revival
In a decisive move to bolster environmental sustainability, the Lagos State Government has convened a high-level meeting with all 57 Local Council and Local Council Development Area chairmen. The strategic gathering, held at Alausa CBD, was aimed at securing their full buy-in and support for the smooth implementation and long-term success of the recently reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Addressing a Critical Environmental Challenge
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, addressed the assembly, emphasizing the urgent need for collaboration to achieve a cleaner, flood-free, and sustainable environment. He highlighted the staggering scale of municipal solid waste generated in Lagos, which amounts to approximately 13,000 to 14,000 tonnes per day. This volume presents a significant challenge in terms of disposal and management, necessitating a unified approach.
"We must all work together to revive the culture of consistent sanitation that the monthly exercise symbolizes," Wahab stated. "We cannot allow waste and sanitation issues to overwhelm a megacity like Lagos."
Building on Existing Initiatives
The commissioner noted that every Thursday between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, all markets across Lagos participate in environmental sanitation to clean their premises. He argued that if markets, as economic hubs, can undertake this process, it should be feasible to extend the exercise to households. However, this requires the active involvement and concurrence of local councils, which are seen as the most effective channel to engage citizens.
"The local council structure is the easiest way to gain their buy-in," Wahab explained. "We are seeking the indulgence of our citizens to dedicate part of their time to this cause."
Transitioning to a Sustainable Waste System
Wahab also outlined Lagos's shift from a linear waste system, characterized by "pick and drop," to a more sustainable model where waste is treated as a resource. This transition demands close collaboration between the state and local councils to tackle environmental issues comprehensively and reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills.
To ensure enforcement, the state plans to assign Lagos Executive Council members, local government chairmen, and other officials to monitor the exercise on designated environmental days at the end of each month. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment will establish a dedicated monitoring team.
Ensuring Private Sector Involvement
The commissioner reaffirmed the state's commitment to supporting Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators in their collection processes. He revealed that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) would continue to intervene periodically to assist these operators, ensuring seamless waste management across the city.
Unified Support from Local Government Leaders
Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Bolaji Roberts, echoed the call for support, urging the chairmen to ensure the success of the reintroduced monthly exercise. Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island Constituency II), suggested regular quarterly engagements with council chairmen to maintain momentum. He also emphasized the need for chairmen to involve Community Development Associations (CDAs), traditional rulers, and community members to secure broader buy-in.
In response, the council chairmen, led by Conference 57 Chairman Sesan Olowa, pledged their maximum support for the initiative. Olowa expressed appreciation for the government's efforts in convening the meeting and assured that the chairmen are fully committed to the exercise's success.
This concerted effort marks a significant step in Lagos State's ongoing battle against environmental degradation, aiming to foster a culture of cleanliness and sustainability through coordinated action at all levels of governance.
