Lagos announces return of monthly sanitation exercise starting April 25
Sanwo-Olu reintroduces monthly sanitation exercise to tackle waste and flooding in Lagos
The Lagos State Government has announced that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise will resume statewide on Saturday, April 25, 2026, marking the return of the programme after nearly a decade of suspension.
The initiative, which will hold on the last Saturday of every month between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., forms part of the state’s broader strategy to improve environmental hygiene, reduce flood risks, and encourage residents to take greater responsibility for maintaining their surroundings.
Officials from the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources stated that residents are expected to clean their neighbourhoods, clear drainage channels around their homes and businesses, and ensure proper waste disposal during the sanitation period.
Government emphasises collective environmental responsibility
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the resumption in a public statement, stressing that the sanitation exercise aims to strengthen environmental consciousness among Lagos residents.
According to the commissioner, the initiative represents a collective civic responsibility designed to promote a cleaner and healthier urban environment. Residents are encouraged to actively participate in cleaning activities and ensure that refuse is disposed of through proper channels.
Authorities also indicated that relevant state agencies will support the exercise through enforcement and public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance across communities.
Sanitation exercise suspended after court ruling
The monthly sanitation programme was suspended in November 2016 following a court ruling that declared the restriction of movement during sanitation hours unconstitutional.
Before the suspension, the exercise was a nationwide practice that took place on the last Saturday of each month, typically accompanied by temporary restrictions on movement to encourage residents to clean their surroundings.
Under the revised framework announced by the Lagos State Government, the sanitation exercise will continue without restricting residents’ movement, aligning the programme with legal requirements while preserving its environmental objectives.
Addressing waste management and flood risks
The decision to revive the sanitation exercise reflects growing concerns about waste management challenges and environmental degradation in Lagos.
Authorities have identified blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and poor waste disposal practices as key contributors to flooding and public health risks in the state.
Environmental experts note that regular sanitation activities can help reduce these risks by improving drainage flow and encouraging responsible waste management among residents.
Strengthening environmental governance in Lagos
The sanitation programme will complement other environmental initiatives implemented by the state government, including improved refuse collection systems, drainage maintenance projects, and environmental awareness campaigns.
Officials emphasised that maintaining a clean city requires sustained cooperation between government agencies, waste management operators, and residents.
Outlook
The resumption of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise signals Lagos State’s renewed focus on environmental governance and urban sustainability.
As Africa’s largest city continues to expand rapidly, policymakers view community-based sanitation initiatives as a critical component of long-term strategies aimed at improving public health, reducing flood risks, and maintaining environmental resilience.
Residents are therefore expected to play an active role in supporting the programme as Lagos seeks to reinforce environmental discipline and build a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.
