Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced measures to tackle Lagos’ waste disposal challenges after personally monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Surulere.
The governor also praised residents who turned out to clean drains and sweep their communities, describing their participation as a positive sign for the state’s environmental future.
The latest development comes at a time when concerns over waste collection have continued to grow across Lagos. However, Sanwo-Olu assured residents that his administration is putting long-term solutions in place to improve refuse collection and keep the state cleaner.
Moreover, the governor revealed plans to introduce more waste collection equipment and modern processing facilities.
Speaking during the sanitation exercise on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu commended residents for working alongside officials of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment to maintain cleaner surroundings.
He described the exercise as an important reminder that environmental cleanliness cannot be achieved by the government alone.
According to the governor, every resident has a role to play in keeping drains free from waste and ensuring streets remain clean throughout the year.
Furthermore, he noted that proper sanitation helps protect public health and reduces the risk of flooding, especially during the rainy season.
Sanwo-Olu admitted that many Lagos residents have expressed concerns over recent waste disposal issues.
However, he assured them that the state government is already implementing lasting solutions designed to improve waste collection services across Lagos.
One of the major plans includes the deployment of 150 new compactor trucks to strengthen refuse evacuation.
In addition, locally assembled waste collection tricycles will be introduced to serve inner streets where larger trucks cannot easily operate.
The governor explained that these smaller vehicles would improve access to densely populated neighbourhoods and make waste collection more efficient.
Meanwhile, the government is also planning to establish modern waste processing facilities capable of handling thousands of tonnes of refuse every day.
According to Sanwo-Olu, these projects form part of broader efforts to modernise waste management and build a cleaner environment for residents.
Furthermore, support is being provided to Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators to help them overcome operational challenges.
The assistance is expected to improve service delivery and ensure more consistent refuse collection across different parts of the state.
Therefore, the governor encouraged Lagos residents to continue supporting sanitation efforts beyond the monthly exercise.
He noted that proper waste disposal habits would help protect communities from disease outbreaks and environmental hazards.
Sanwo-Olu also expressed appreciation to everyone who participated in the sanitation exercise.
While acknowledging the government’s ongoing investments, he reminded residents that lasting success depends on collective responsibility.
“Our collective effort is what truly keeps Lagos moving forward,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Meanwhile, officials of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment continued monitoring compliance during the sanitation exercise across several parts of the city.
The ministry also urged residents to avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Doing so, officials warned, increases the risk of flooding and environmental pollution.
As Lagos continues to expand, stronger sanitation practices and improved infrastructure are expected to play a key role in sustainable urban development.
