The Lagos State Government has officially announced the resumption of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise, scheduled to commence this Saturday, April 25, 2026.

This move marks the return of a long-standing tradition aimed at improving public health and state-wide hygiene, nearly a decade after its suspension in 2016 following legal challenges regarding movement restrictions.

According to a statement released by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and confirmed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the exercise will take place between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month. In a significant departure from the previous format, the government clarified that there will be no restriction of movement for vehicles or pedestrians during these hours. Instead, the focus has shifted toward voluntary civic responsibility and community-led cleaning efforts.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who flagged off the renewed initiative, emphasized that the reintroduction is a direct response to the growing challenges of waste management and blocked drainage systems across the metropolis. “Sanitation is everyone’s responsibility,” the Governor noted, urging residents to use the two-hour window to clear the gutters in front of their homes and properly bag their refuse for collection.

To ensure the success of the exercise, LAWMA has deployed additional trucks and personnel to strategic locations to facilitate the immediate evacuation of waste. Furthermore, traditional rulers and community leaders under the Lagos Baales’ Forum have begun mobilizing residents within their domains. Officials warned that while the government prefers voluntary compliance, the Ministry of Environment will deploy enforcement teams to monitor flashpoints and ensure that commercial centers and households adhere to the new environmental standards.

By reinstating the exercise, the state government aims to build a “flood-resilient” Lagos as the rainy season intensifies. Residents are encouraged to take ownership of their immediate environment to prevent the outbreak of diseases and restore the aesthetic beauty of the “Centre of Excellence.”