MAKING LAGOS HEALTHIER

 Sanwo-Olu reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos,

writes SAMUEL HUNDEYIN

In the complex and often chaotic rhythm of megacities, leadership is defined by well-thought out policies and symbolic actions that resonate with everyday realities. In Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial nerve centre, such symbolism came alive when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, stepped into the densely populated community of Mushin for sanitation.

Clad in overall with necessary protective gears, the governor, and other top government functionaries joined residents and environmental workers in clearing refuse at Olosha, Idi-Oro. This was not just another government initiative; it was the symbolic flag-off of the reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise, a policy many Lagosians remember as once central to the state’s culture of cleanliness.

Yet beyond the optics, the governor’s physical presence in Mushin, a community known for its density, vibrancy, and environmental challenges, spoke volumes about the seriousness of the government’s renewed commitment to sanitation. It was a deliberate choice, a calculated statement that governance must go where the problems are most visible.

In a society where public officials are often accused of being detached from grassroots realities, Sanwo-Olu’s approach offers a refreshing contrast. By participating directly in the clean-up exercise, he bridged the often wide gap between policy formulation and lived experience.

His message to residents was both candid and compelling: the environment many people complain about is, in fact, a reflection of collective habits. Standing amid heaps of refuse, he challenged residents to confront an uncomfortable truth, cleanliness is not solely a government responsibility but a shared civic duty.

This hands-on leadership style reinforces a critical principle: people are more likely to follow policies when leaders visibly embody them. Sanwo-Olu did not merely instruct; he demonstrated.

The choice of Mushin for the flag-off was equally far from accidental. Historically, Mushin has been one of Lagos’ most densely populated areas, with significant pressure on infrastructure, sanitation systems, and waste management processes. By taking the sanitation campaign to such a location, the government signaled its willingness to confront environmental challenges head-on.

Sanwo-Olu himself acknowledged the visible level of filth in the area, describing the exercise as a “defining moment” in the state’s renewed sanitation drive. His remarks underscored a broader truth: urban cleanliness cannot be achieved through selective interventions; it must address the most vulnerable and most congested areas first.

In this sense, Mushin became both a testing ground and a statement of intent, a place where policy meets reality.

For many Nigerians, the concept of monthly environmental sanitation evokes nostalgia. There was a time when the last Saturday of every month was dedicated to cleaning homes, streets, and drainage systems. It was more than a policy; it was a civic culture.

However, following a legal challenge and subsequent court ruling that nullified compulsory restriction of movement during sanitation hours, the practice gradually faded. The absence of legal backing weakened enforcement, and over time, public participation declined.

Sanwo-Olu’s reintroduction of the exercise represents an attempt to revive this lost culture, albeit with a modern twist. Unlike the past, the new approach does not impose restrictions on movement. Instead, it emphasizes voluntary participation, community ownership, and sustained public education.

This shift reflects an important evolution in governance: moving from enforcement-driven compliance to value-driven participation.

The sanitation initiative is deeply embedded in the administration’s broader development framework, particularly the THEMES+ Agenda. This policy blueprint prioritizes transportation, health, environment, education, and social inclusion.

Environmental sanitation sits at the intersection of several of these priorities. A clean city is not just aesthetically pleasing; it is fundamental to public health, flood control, and economic productivity. Poor sanitation contributes to disease outbreaks, clogged drainage systems, and ultimately, urban flooding, a recurring challenge in Lagos. By reinvigorating sanitation practices, the government is addressing these interconnected issues simultaneously.

Beyond the governor’s personal involvement, the initiative is supported by a network of environmental agencies, including the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that the exercise is designed to promote hygiene, reduce disease, and enhance environmental sustainability. According to him, the initiative aligns with long-term goals of creating a flood-free and livable city. The institutional collaboration is crucial. Sanitation cannot succeed through isolated efforts; it requires coordination across agencies, communities, and local governments.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of environmental sanitation is not infrastructure but behaviour. Lagos generates thousands of tonnes of waste daily, and improper disposal remains a persistent issue. Indiscriminate dumping, blocked drains, and reliance on informal waste collectors continue to undermine government efforts.

Sanwo-Olu’s message during the Mushin exercise directly addressed this behavioural dimension. He urged residents to take ownership of their environment, warning against practices that contribute to pollution.

This emphasis on civic responsibility is critical. Sustainable sanitation cannot be achieved solely through government intervention; it requires a shift in public attitudes. Residents must see cleanliness not as an occasional activity but as a daily obligation.

The link between sanitation and public health cannot be overstated. Poor waste management creates breeding grounds for diseases such as malaria, cholera, and other infections. Blocked drainage systems also contribute to flooding, which in turn exacerbates health risks.

By prioritizing sanitation, the government is effectively investing in preventive healthcare. Clean environments reduce the burden on healthcare systems, improve quality of life, and enhance overall productivity.

This perspective positions sanitation not just as an environmental issue but as a cornerstone of sustainable urban development.

Sanwo-Olu’s approach offers valuable lessons for other cities grappling with similar challenges. It demonstrates that effective governance requires a combination of policy, leadership, community engagement, and institutional coordination.

The decision to personally lead the sanitation exercise in Mushin sends a powerful message: leadership must be visible, responsive, and grounded in reality. It is not enough to design policies; leaders must also inspire participation.

While the image of a governor sweeping streets may appear symbolic, its implications are far-reaching. It signals a government that is willing to engage directly with its citizens, confront difficult realities, and lead by example.

Sanwo-Olu’s sanitation initiative is about rebuilding a culture, fostering civic responsibility, and creating a sustainable urban environment.

 Hundeyin writes from Badagry