Lagos residents have been directed to remain indoors on Saturday morning as the state government intensifies efforts to improve environmental cleanliness and reduce flooding risks.
The restriction will take place during the monthly sanitation exercise scheduled to hold across the state.
Moreover, officials warned that residents who fail to comply with sanitation rules could face sanctions under existing environmental laws.
The sanitation exercise is expected to begin at 6:30 a.m. and end by 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.
During the exercise, residents are expected to clean their surroundings and clear blocked drainage systems around their homes.
The directive was announced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
According to him, the exercise forms part of wider efforts to restore proper sanitation culture in Lagos after several years of suspension.
“Every resident is expected to clean his environment and clear the drains in front of his or her tenements,” Wahab said.
Furthermore, the commissioner explained that waste evacuation teams had already been mobilised across different parts of the state.
He said the Lagos Waste Management Authority, alongside local councils, deployed trucks and compactors to remove waste generated during the exercise.
Meanwhile, environmental health officers and enforcement teams are expected to monitor different communities for compliance.
The government also warned that violators could face punishment under the Lagos State Environmental Management Law of 2017.
In addition, major transport unions reportedly agreed to support the sanitation exercise by limiting vehicle movements during the restricted hours.
Officials believe the move will help improve participation and reduce unnecessary movement during the cleanup operation.
The sanitation exercise was officially reintroduced earlier this year by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The government described the programme as part of broader flood prevention and environmental protection measures.
Furthermore, authorities stressed that blocked drains and poor waste disposal continue to contribute heavily to flooding in many areas.
Residents have therefore been encouraged to take the exercise seriously to avoid future environmental disasters.
They noted that cleaner surroundings could help reduce diseases, flooding, and drainage blockage across the city.
