No Law Restricts Movement During Lagos Monthly Sanitation Exercise, Says Tokunbo Wahab

Lagos Government Clarifies Movement During Sanitation Exercise

The Lagos sanitation exercise does not restrict the movement of residents, according to the Lagos State Government.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Saturday through his verified X account. He said no law authorizes officials to stop, arrest, or harass residents during the monthly exercise.

No Law Supports Movement Restriction

According to Wahab, the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017 provides the legal framework for the monthly sanitation exercise.

However, he explained that the law does not empower the government to declare a stay-at-home order or restrict movement.

He urged enforcement officers to respect the rights of residents and operate within the law.

Residents Encouraged to Participate Voluntarily

The commissioner said the government reintroduced the Lagos sanitation exercise to improve environmental cleanliness and encourage civic responsibility.

He urged residents to clean their homes, business premises, and surrounding areas voluntarily instead of waiting for enforcement.

Environmental Laws Still Apply

Although residents can move freely during the exercise, environmental laws remain in force.

Anyone caught dumping refuse illegally, blocking drainage channels, or violating sanitation regulations can still face prosecution.

Wahab Reacts to Arrest Reports

The clarification follows reports that some residents were allegedly arrested during the Lagos sanitation exercise.

Wahab said there is no official policy restricting movement. He urged residents to ignore misinformation and continue supporting efforts to keep Lagos clean.