Environmental Sanitation Exercise to Resume in Lagos From April 25
Kehinde Adeleye
The Lagos State Government has announced the return of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise across the state, with the programme set to resume on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, explaining that the exercise will now hold on the last Saturday of every month between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
According to the commissioner, the initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to promote a cleaner environment and improve public health across Lagos.
The monthly sanitation programme had been suspended in November 2016 during the administration of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Before it was discontinued, the exercise took place on the last Saturday of every month, usually between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
The suspension followed a ruling by the Lagos Court of Appeal, which declared the restriction of movement during sanitation hours unconstitutional and a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
In 2024, the Lagos State Government began considering the possibility of reinstating the programme amid rising environmental concerns in the state. Authorities clarified at the time that any reintroduction would not involve compulsory movement restrictions but would instead rely on voluntary participation by residents.
Confirming the resumption, Wahab said the exercise will officially restart on April 25 and continue monthly thereafter.
“I am pleased to inform all Lagosians that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise will resume effective Saturday, April 25, 2026, holding on the last Saturday of every month from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.,” the statement said.
Residents were encouraged to actively participate by cleaning their surroundings, clearing drainage channels around their homes and ensuring proper waste disposal.
Government officials noted that the programme is designed to encourage citizens to take greater responsibility for maintaining a clean environment while also helping to prevent flooding and other environmental challenges in the state.
The government emphasised that community cooperation would be essential to achieving a cleaner and more flood resilient Lagos.
