Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has issued a final warning to individuals occupying the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway illegally, directing relevant agencies to begin a large-scale demolition and environmental clean-up exercise from Monday.
The governor gave the directive on Saturday while addressing journalists during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise held at Itire Road in Surulere Local Government Area.
Sanwo-Olu said the continued occupation of the road median constituted an abuse of public infrastructure, created environmental hazards, and threatened the ongoing reconstruction of the 10-lane Lagos-Badagry super highway.
Accompanying the governor during the exercise were his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, and the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
He explained that the enforcement operation would cover the stretch between Orile Iganmu and Okokomaiko, warning that every illegal structure erected along the corridor would be demolished without exception.
“This is the final notice to everyone occupying the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. From next week, we are coming to clear the entire median. Everything there will go. Every illegal structure will be removed,” the governor declared.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that the median forms part of the highway infrastructure and was never intended for commercial activities, settlements or other forms of occupation.
“It is not meant to be a market. It is not meant to be a place where people erect structures. It is a highway median, and we must preserve it, especially considering the huge public investment on that corridor.
“We will deploy thousands of enforcement personnel in the operation to ensure strict compliance with environmental and physical planning laws.
“We are coming with all the necessary manpower and equipment. We will remain there until the job is completed. No one should expect any exemption; we are not sparing anyone,” he said.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening waste management across the state through increased investment in sanitation infrastructure.
He disclosed that the state government had ordered 150 additional waste compactors to improve refuse evacuation, adding that the first batch is expected within the next three months.
According to him, the government, in partnership with local councils, is also procuring smaller compactor trucks capable of navigating inner roads and residential estates to enhance waste collection.
“This administration is simultaneously investing in long-term waste processing infrastructure, including a modern material recovery and recycling facility capable of processing about 4,250 metric tonnes of waste daily,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He noted that the recycling facility, expected to become operational next year, would reduce pressure on landfill sites by converting waste into reusable materials.
The governor acknowledged operational challenges facing some Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators, attributing them to rising operational costs and inadequate equipment, but assured residents that government interventions were underway.
He appealed to Lagos residents to support waste management efforts by paying their waste collection bills promptly.
“Waste management is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a collective responsibility. Residents must also play their part by paying for waste collection services. That is what enables the PSP operators to continue providing efficient services,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated that environmental sanitation remains a priority for his administration, noting that Lagos generates thousands of tonnes of waste daily and requires the cooperation of government, businesses and residents to maintain a clean environment.
He also encouraged parents to involve their children in sanitation activities as a way of promoting environmental responsibility from an early age.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab visited the Olusosun landfill site, where work is ongoing to transform the facility into a material recovery and recycling plant.
Speaking with journalists, Wahab said the project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.
At the same time, the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, supervised the sanitation exercise in the Kosofe area, reaffirming the government’s determination to restore environmental discipline across Lagos.
Agoro described the monthly environmental sanitation exercise as a permanent initiative designed to improve residents’ attitude toward environmental cleanliness.
He said the government would continue public enlightenment campaigns and enforcement to ensure greater compliance with environmental laws.
Responding to concerns over residents’ participation, Agoro said the turnout was encouraging despite some people initially staying indoors.
He urged residents to stop indiscriminate disposal of refuse, stressing that maintaining a clean environment requires collective responsibility.
“When people travel abroad, they obey environmental laws and avoid littering. We should show the same discipline here at home. Personally, when I have waste in my car, I keep it until I find a proper waste bin. Government cannot do everything; we all have a role to play,” he said.
The Head of Service also addressed complaints about irregular waste collection by some PSP operators, assuring residents that the government would investigate the matter.
On public safety, Agoro disclosed that officials inspected a distressed one-storey building with visible cracks on Akewusola Salami Street, noting that the Ministry of Physical Planning would assess the structure and determine whether demolition would be necessary.
As part of the enforcement exercise, officials sealed Houses 7 and 9 on Olorunfunmi Street in Oworonshoki over poor sanitation and filthy surroundings.
Agoro also appealed to corporate organisations to strengthen partnerships with the state government through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
The enforcement team inspected Olayiwola Street, Akewusola Salami Street, Alaba Street and Oyenubi Abiola Street, where residents were sensitised on proper waste disposal practices and environmental compliance.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area, Moyosore Ogunlewe, pledged continued support for the state’s environmental sanitation programme through sustained enforcement and public awareness.
“We have to keep doing this. This is the third time we’ve embarked on this exercise. As a government, we will continue to do our best to ensure that the environment is clean for the people,” Ogunlewe said.
