Wahab explained that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would formally announce the reinstatement soon, with preparations already in progress. “It is coming back… we are doing the advocacy now, and I believe anytime before the end of this year, the governor will announce that,” Wahab said.
The commissioner emphasized the importance of public awareness and sensitization campaigns, noting that these efforts are already underway to prepare residents for the return of the sanitation initiative. He stressed that the government is working hard to foster a culture of cleanliness in the state, reminding citizens that “cleanliness is next to godliness.”
Market Sanitation and Legal Clarifications
Wahab also confirmed that market sanitation practices have continued without interruption, with traders maintaining sanitation routines every Thursday morning. He further clarified the confusion regarding a court order that some believed restricted the reintroduction of the exercise. According to Wahab, a media misinterpretation led to the misunderstanding, but the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the Lagos State Government. Despite the case now being heard by the Supreme Court, there is no legal barrier preventing the government from reinstating the sanitation exercise.
Enhancing Waste Management in Lagos
In addition to sanitation efforts, Wahab discussed the Lagos State Government’s continued focus on strengthening waste management systems. He highlighted the role of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and how the state has partnered with private operators under the Public-Private Partnership (PSP) model to handle waste collection across Lagos.
However, Wahab acknowledged the difficulties PSP operators face, particularly when residents fail to pay for waste collection services. This has impacted the efficiency of the system, but the government has stepped in with bridge funding and cross-subsidies to ensure that waste collection continues uninterrupted.
Strategic Partnerships for Waste-to-Wealth
The Commissioner also shared details of a new partnership between the Lagos State Government and Jospong Group, a waste-to-wealth company based in Accra, Ghana. This collaboration is aimed at improving waste collection and processing, with infrastructure support and incentives being provided to PSP operators.
Through the partnership, waste collected by operators will be transported to transfer loading stations, where treatment plants will convert it into compost fertilizers and recycled plastic bins. Wahab noted that only 3% to 4% of the waste would ultimately end up in landfills, as part of the government’s broader goal to transform “waste into wealth” through sustainable practices.
The reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise, alongside these waste management initiatives, reflects Lagos State’s commitment to maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability across the city.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
