In a recent appearance on television, Lagos State commissioner for the environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab reiterated the government’s dedication to tackling environmental challenges, particularly in waste management, sanitation, and flood preparedness.
Wahab revealed that Lagos State generates a staggering 13,000-14,000 tonnes of waste daily, prompting the government to establish Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at decommissioning dumpsites and reducing landfill dependency.
To foster a culture of waste management, the government collaborates with Private Sector Participants (PSPs) for efficient waste collection and subsidises refuse disposal.
Despite facing politicization of certain policies, such as the ban on styrofoam, the government remains committed to protecting the state’s future. In terms of sanitation, the government has constructed 1,710 public toilets, yet open defecation persists.
To address this, the state is enforcing regulations and collaborating with neighboring Ogun State to change the culture of open defecation.
To ensure cleaner public spaces, the government is strengthening synergy with local governments, which oversee markets.
With the rainy season approaching, Lagos State has cleared primary and secondary drainage channels, monitors water levels, and issues early warning alerts to residents in low-lying areas.
Regarding water supply, the Adiyan 1 and Iju waterworks remain operational, while construction of Adiyan 2 is underway to increase capacity.
The state continues to prioritize modernizing infrastructure and sustaining environmental reforms through advocacy, enforcement, and innovation.
These efforts demonstrate the state’s commitment to building a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Lagos.