Lagos Intensifies Campaign Against Refuse Dumping, Environmental Hazards

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

The Lagos State Government has stepped up its grassroots environmental awareness campaign, urging residents to embrace proper waste disposal practices as part of efforts to curb flooding, protect public health and promote a cleaner, more sustainable environment across the state.

The renewed appeal was made during a stakeholders’ environmental enlightenment campaign held in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, where government officials stressed that environmental sustainability can only be achieved through active citizen participation and responsible sanitation practices.

Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr. Gaji Omobolaji, represented by the Director of Environmental Assessment, Mr. Olasunkanmi Sojinu, said changing residents’ attitudes towards waste disposal remains a critical component of the state’s environmental agenda.

According to him, the sensitisation programme was organised to deepen public understanding of environmental responsibilities and encourage communities to take ownership of sanitation initiatives within their localities.

He noted that despite significant government investments in waste management infrastructure, drainage maintenance, recycling programmes and environmental sanitation services, indiscriminate refuse dumping continues to undermine these efforts.

“Lagos generates enormous volumes of waste daily, and government has consistently invested in environmental infrastructure. However, these investments can only yield meaningful results when residents dispose of their waste responsibly,” he said.

Omobolaji identified the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads, medians, drainage channels and other unauthorised locations as a major contributor to blocked waterways and the recurring incidents of flooding experienced across the state.

He warned that such environmental violations not only degrade the ecosystem but also pose serious public health risks and diminish the effectiveness of government interventions.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility that requires the collective efforts of residents, businesses, market associations, transport operators, religious institutions and community organisations.

“Government will continue to provide the necessary infrastructure, formulate policies and enforce environmental laws, but keeping Lagos clean remains everyone’s responsibility,” he stated.

He further disclosed that environmental surveillance operations have been intensified across highways, markets, transport corridors and other identified black spots, while sanitation inspections, drainage clearance exercises and the evacuation of refuse from illegal dumpsites are being carried out regularly.

Omobolaji said the state government would continue to prioritise environmental education and community engagement, insisting that voluntary compliance remains more sustainable than punitive enforcement measures.

“We would rather educate than prosecute, prevent than penalise and build a culture of environmental responsibility across our communities,” he added.

He urged local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to sustain environmental awareness campaigns and mobilise residents to actively participate in sanitation programmes.

The Permanent Secretary also called on traditional rulers, community development associations, market unions, transport groups, the media and private sector stakeholders to support the campaign for responsible environmental practices.

Residents were advised to patronise only government-approved Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators, refrain from dumping refuse into drainage channels and promptly report environmental offences through appropriate government channels.

According to him, the environmental objectives outlined in the state’s THEMES+ Development Agenda can only be realised when residents understand that environmental protection begins with individual actions.

He encouraged participants at the programme to serve as environmental ambassadors by promoting proper sanitation habits in their homes, workplaces and communities.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Mr. Lanre Sanusi, described a clean environment as indispensable to economic development and improved quality of life.

He urged residents to support government initiatives by embracing responsible waste management practices and encouraging others to do likewise, noting that environmental sustainability can only be achieved through effective collaboration between government and citizens.

The sensitisation programme attracted community leaders, traditional rulers, market associations, transport unions, environmental stakeholders and residents of the local government area.