The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has urged residents across Lagos State to take part in the reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise, which is set to resume on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the agency announced that the exercise will run between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. across the state. The period is designated for residents to clean their immediate environment and ensure proper waste disposal as part of efforts to maintain public hygiene.
“Monthly sanitation exercise commences on Saturday 25th April from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. across the state.
“This is a reminder that sanitation is everyone’s responsibility. Residents are encouraged to clean their surroundings, dispose waste properly, and support efforts to keep our environment clean and safe.
“Together, we can achieve a cleaner and more livable Lagos,” the statement read.
The Lagos State Government had earlier confirmed the return of the sanitation exercise in March, marking its revival nearly a decade after it was discontinued.
Providing further clarification, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the exercise would now be held on the last Saturday of every month within the same time frame.
“I am pleased to inform all Lagosians that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise will resume effective Saturday, 25th April 2026, holding on the last Saturday of every month from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m,” he stated.
The programme was previously conducted between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. before it was suspended in November 2016 following a court ruling that restricted the enforcement of movement limitations during sanitation hours.
Its reintroduction has been widely welcomed by residents who believe it could help tackle indiscriminate waste disposal, reduce flooding, and improve overall environmental cleanliness across the state.
However, some concerns remain regarding how the exercise will be enforced. Critics have warned that movement restrictions could be misused by security personnel, potentially leading to harassment or extortion.
They also emphasized the importance of continuous public education on proper waste management practices, noting that lasting environmental improvements will depend on sustained behavioral change beyond the monthly exercise.
