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The Lagos State Government has announced the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, set to commence on Saturday, April 25, 2026, sparking a mix of applause, criticism, and legal scrutiny among residents, legal practitioners, and online communities.
While the state insists on enforcement, the move has reignited debates over citizens’ rights, government responsibility, and the practicality of sustaining a cleaner Lagos in a 24-hour city.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in announcing the April 2026 revival, emphasized that the exercise will now be enforced with a more balanced approach, seeking public cooperation rather than relying solely on movement restrictions.
The state government insists the initiative is crucial to improving environmental hygiene, reducing flooding, and fostering a sustainable civic culture, even as it pledges support for residents to ensure compliance.
The monthly environmental sanitation exercise, which had been a staple of civic engagement in Lagos, was suspended in November 2016 following a Court of Appeal ruling that declared the mandatory lockdowns during the exercise unconstitutional.
The court held that restricting residents’ movement between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on sanitation days violated citizens’ rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement, emphasizing that directives by a governor do not have the force of law and cannot justify fines, arrests, or harassment.
At the time, then-governor Akinwunmi Ambode officially ended the exercise’s mandatory aspect, though the responsibility of maintaining a clean environment remained with both the government and citizens. Since then, Lagosians have relied on voluntary participation, though waste management challenges and inconsistent public compliance have persisted.
The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Environment and the Task Force on Environmental Sanitation, insists the exercise is crucial to improving environmental hygiene, reducing flooding, and fostering a sustainable civic culture.
“The exercise is not just about cleaning streets; it’s about instilling a culture of cleanliness in Lagos,” Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Other Related Offences said.
“Residents’ cooperation is key, and while we will enforce the exercise, we are also providing guidance and support to ensure compliance.”
Officials noted that the reintroduction differs from previous versions, as the exercise is designed to work without strict movement restrictions, focusing instead on public enlightenment, systematic waste collection, and collaboration with community leaders. Enforcement will begin at 6:30 a.m. on April 25 and run until 8:30 a.m.
Residents of Lagos have expressed a wide range of opinions about the exercise, highlighting the challenges of balancing civic responsibility with daily livelihoods.
Supporters say the move is timely and necessary. Raymond Olugbenga, a trader in Ijora Badia, told DAILY POST, “For years, Lagos has struggled with waste management. Reintroducing the monthly sanitation exercise is a welcome step. It will restore environmental sanity, reduce the risk of flooding, and encourage residents to take responsibility for their surroundings. People must understand that a clean Lagos benefits everyone.”
He added, “Yes, enforcement is necessary. Some form of guidance or mild oversight helps ensure people don’t just ignore the exercise. If this is done right, Lagosians will gradually embrace it as part of daily life.”
Similarly, Elder Folorunsho Atta of Gowon Estate noted, “Lagosians remember the War Against Indiscipline during the military era. That initiative succeeded because it was systematic, not just symbolic. Today, the government has to focus on education, consistent enforcement, and prompt waste collection to make this exercise work without restricting movement.”
Critics, however, remain unconvinced. Some residents allege that the government could use the exercise to extort money or disrupt business activities.
“Honestly, I think this is another way for authorities to collect fines from residents or interfere with our businesses,” a small-scale entrepreneur in Surulere, Christopher Chukwuka said.
“If enforcement is not properly structured, some agents may take advantage of the situation. People are worried that our shops will be closed or movement restricted under the guise of sanitation,” he added.
Olawole Adeyemi, a resident of Jakande Estate, added, “It’s unrealistic to expect residents to comply fully without seeing an improvement in waste management systems. Lagos residents already clean their immediate surroundings, but if LAWMA doesn’t collect the waste promptly, the exercise becomes symbolic rather than practical.”
Several legal experts have examined the constitutional implications of the exercise, particularly regarding enforcement.
Femi Falana (SAN), a senior human rights lawyer, expressed caution: “Reintroducing compulsory sanitation with movement restrictions is unconstitutional. Past court rulings, including the Faith Okafor v. Lagos State Government case, clearly state that directives by a governor cannot override citizens’ rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement. Enforcement should respect these rights while encouraging voluntary compliance.”
Another legal practitioner, Ige Asemudara, said, “The government is now navigating the delicate balance between environmental enforcement and citizens’ constitutional rights. By eliminating movement restrictions, they appear to be acting within the law. Enforcement must focus on compliance with environmental laws rather than coercion.”
Social media has also reflected the mixed opinions. Some users celebrated the government’s effort to maintain a cleaner city: @LagosGreenWarrior tweeted: “Finally! Lagos needs this. Citizens must play their part too. Cleaner streets = healthier Lagos. #SanitationReform”
Others criticized the initiative as outdated and economically disruptive:
@NaijaHustlerX commented: “How can you ask people to stop their businesses for hours to clean? This is 2026, not 1984. Fix waste collection and stop extorting money from residents. #LagosWasteCrisis”
Experts argue that success will depend heavily on addressing systemic waste management issues. The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has faced criticism for delayed collection, inconsistent evacuation of waste, and inadequate recycling systems.
Akintayo Omotosho, an environmental activist, told DAILY POST, “If the government wants this to succeed, it must ensure prompt removal of collected waste. Otherwise, the exercise risks being merely ceremonial. Residents must also be empowered to manage local waste through community associations and market leaders.”
The reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise represents more than just cleaning streets; it is a test of Lagosians’ commitment to civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. With enforcement slated for April 25, 2026, the government will need to combine education, community participation, and systematic support to achieve genuine results.
Controversy brews over reintroduction of monthly environmental sanitation in Lagos
