Lagos officials defend monthly sanitation amid criticism
Lagos State’s planned monthly environmental sanitation exercise has sparked debate between officials and critics. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, insists the initiative is essential for civic responsibility, not a citywide shutdown. Former governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has criticized the approach, calling it unimaginative and insufficient for tackling deeper waste management issues. Both sides have shared their views on how best to achieve a cleaner Lagos.
What happened
- Tokunbo Wahab defended the monthly sanitation exercise, stating it is about encouraging residents to take responsibility for their environment.
- He clarified that the exercise only asks residents to spend 120 minutes cleaning every thirty days, not shutting down the city.
- Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour criticized the plan, arguing it does not address the root problems of waste management and is lacking in innovation.
- Wahab highlighted that the exercise complements broader reforms, including restrictions on single-use plastics and waste-to-energy projects.
- Both figures agree that public cooperation and systemic reforms are needed for lasting environmental improvement in Lagos.
