The Lagos State Government has intensified its grassroots environmental awareness campaign, urging residents to embrace proper waste disposal as part of efforts to reduce flooding, improve public health and create a cleaner environment.
The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ environmental enlightenment campaign held in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area.
Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, represented by Director of Environmental Assessment Olasunkanmi Sojinu, said changing public attitudes toward waste disposal remains central to the state’s environmental agenda.
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He explained that although the government continues to invest heavily in waste collection, drainage maintenance, recycling initiatives and sanitation infrastructure, indiscriminate refuse dumping remains a major challenge.
“Lagos generates huge volumes of waste every day, and government has continued to invest in environmental infrastructure. However, these investments can only deliver results if residents dispose of waste responsibly,” he said.
Omobolaji identified the dumping of refuse on roads, drainage channels, medians and other unauthorised locations as a major contributor to blocked waterways and recurring floods.
He stressed that environmental cleanliness requires collective action involving residents, businesses, market associations, transport unions, religious organisations and community groups.
According to him, the government will continue to combine public education with enforcement to encourage responsible environmental behaviour.
He disclosed that environmental surveillance has been intensified across highways, markets, transport corridors and identified black spots, alongside drainage clearance and sanitation inspections.
Residents were urged to patronise only government-approved Private Sector Participation waste operators, avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels and report environmental offences to the appropriate authorities.
Omobolaji also called on local governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to sustain awareness campaigns and promote responsible sanitation practices.
Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Lanre Sanusi, described environmental cleanliness as essential to economic growth and improved living standards, urging residents to support government efforts by adopting proper waste management practices.
The sensitisation programme drew participants from community development associations, traditional institutions, market associations, transport unions and other environmental stakeholders.
