The Lagos State Government has unveiled a new initiative to combat improper waste disposal on its roads by creating a specialized enforcement unit called the “Sanitation Police.” This body, drawn from transport union members across all local government areas, will monitor motor parks and their vicinities to prevent indiscriminate dumping.
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has directed the emergency evacuation of refuse from the state’s road network, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for waste on roads. The decision emerged from a meeting with key stakeholders, including the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, LAWMA, NURTW, and RTEAN, held at the Ministry of Transportation on Saturday.
Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi stressed that transport unions must keep their parks and garages clean and discourage improper trading and waste disposal. He announced that enforcement actions will begin soon to ensure compliance.
Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Sam Egube drew comparisons with global practices, noting that transport operators elsewhere collaborate with governments to manage infrastructure. He urged all parties to unite in solving waste management issues.
Hon. Sola Giwa called on NURTW and RTEAN to take full ownership as partners in waste control, insisting on strict adherence to cleanliness rules in all motor parks and garages.
LAWMA Managing Director Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin praised the unions for supporting the reintroduced monthly sanitation exercise and emphasized that LAWMA cannot handle waste management alone. He noted that LAWMA evacuates roughly 13,000 tons of waste daily, while transport unions move around 22 million commuters each day. He called for strong collaboration to ensure proper disposal at parks and to report violations for swift action.