LAWMA Seals Ikotun-Igando Shops Over Environmental Violations

        The Lagos Waste Management Authority has intensified its ongoing environmental compliance enforcement across Lagos, sealing markets, shopping complexes, and commercial premises along the Ikotun-Igando axis.

This came as LAWMA issued notices of intention to seal markets, shops, and plazas along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor.

The Director of Public Affairs at LAWMA, Mukaila Sanusi, disclosed this in a statement over the weekend, obtained by The PUNCH.

The statement explained that the enforcement exercise, carried out on Saturday by LAWMA’s Project WISE West team, targeted commercial premises along the LASU-Igando Road corridor in Alimosho Local Government Area, “following persistent indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road median despite repeated default notices, sustained environmental advocacy, and notices of intention to seal.”

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the latest operation followed the notable improvement in environmental compliance recorded during last week’s enforcement exercise along the Yaba-Ojuelegba corridor.

Gbadegesin noted that the intervention had helped restore environmental order and improve sanitation within the area, noting, “Encouraged by the positive outcome, the authority had extended the exercise to other identified corridors across the state, while commencing the issuance of notices of intention to seal markets, shops, and plazas along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor as part of ongoing compliance measures.”

According to him, the affected markets, shopping complexes, and commercial premises will remain under seal until all “stipulated environmental compliance conditions have been fully met and the agency is satisfied that adequate corrective measures have been implemented.”

He stressed that indiscriminate waste disposal on road medians, drainage channels, and other unauthorised locations constituted a violation of the environmental laws of Lagos State and would continue to attract the appropriate sanction.

The LAWMA boss urged traders, market associations, property owners, and business operators to maintain proper sanitation around their premises, patronise only their assigned PSP operators, and desist from indiscriminate waste disposal, adding that environmental cleanliness remained a shared responsibility.

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to combining sustained public enlightenment with firm enforcement to promote responsible environmental behaviour, protect public infrastructure, and sustain a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable Lagos.

As part of Saturday’s enforcement operation, LAWMA sealed Owode Market, Omo Oba Shopping Complex, Oja Oba Market, Irewolede Market, Egan Junction Market, BoA Shopping Complex, Blissful Electronics Stores, as well as several other defaulting shops and commercial premises for environmental sanitation violations.

  

Read More

Ajao Estate Residents Reject Waste Collection Fee Hike, Cite Poor Service

Residents of the Ajao Estate area of Lagos have rejected an increase in monthly waste collection charges, accusing their waste management service provider of imposing the hike despite months of poor and irregular refuse collection.

The residents said they were shocked to find notices announcing the new charges pasted on their doors, describing the increase as unjustifiable given what they claimed had been four to five months of inconsistent service.

Speaking on behalf of the residents on Thursday, the chairman of the state, Olu Isijola, said the company had repeatedly failed to evacuate refuse, sometimes leaving waste uncollected for one to two weeks.

He said residents had continued paying the existing fee despite the irregular service and questioned the rationale behind the increase.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

He said, “We just saw an unexpected notice placed on our doors, announcing an increment in the monthly refuse collection fee.

“In fact, this company has been neglecting us for over four or five months. Sometimes they won’t come for a whole week or even two weeks. When they eventually come, they give excuses that they have problems somewhere.

“Now, what we are having is an increment, so we consider it unjustifiable. They were not collecting our refuse regularly, yet we still paid them. Now, we are saying no.”

The estate chairman also decried the poor condition of roads within the community, lamenting that residents were being asked to pay more despite the absence of basic service improvements.

 “Apart from the fact that the road is completely messed up, this street is in a very bad condition. We are now talking about refuse again. We are in a dilemma.

“A place so close to the airport should be an ideal place where refuse is collected at the right time, and the roads are in good condition. We are not happy.

“We demand that they should keep the fee at what we have been paying. You increase payment when you improve service. When there is no improvement in the service, you don’t just impose an increase.

“If they have their own challenges, they should not transfer those problems to us. We are really suffering here because the refuse is not being collected,” he said.

The residents also criticised the company for introducing the increase without prior consultation or adequate notice.

“As good business practice, they should have given us notice and engaged us before reviewing the charges. Not just compel us to pay. If there was competition, they wouldn’t do that,” the chairman added.

He urged the waste management company to suspend the increase, improve refuse collection across the estate and engage residents before implementing it.

However, the notice shows that the service provider acknowledged the disruption in waste collection and attributed it to challenges with waste disposal infrastructure in Lagos.

In the notice titled “Marginal Tariff Review,” the company apologised to customers for the inconsistent service experienced in recent weeks.

“We sincerely apologise for the challenge in our service gap in the last several weeks; that service was inconsistent. This is due to the infrastructural challenge of the disposal site in Lagos,” the notice read.

The company said it had been left with no option but to introduce a “marginal” 33 per cent increase in its tariff, representing an additional N2,000 for flat occupants.

According to the notice, the last tariff review was carried out in March 2024 when diesel sold for about N800 per litre, compared to the current price of between N1,700 and N2,000 per litre.

It also explained that the closure of nearby disposal sites had forced its trucks to travel to Ikorodu, about 53 kilometres from Ajao Estate, or Badagry, nearly 100 kilometres away, thereby increasing operational costs, including vehicle maintenance, staff wages and other logistics.

“We seek your understanding this time to embrace this marginal increase to survive and continue to offer services seamlessly,” the notice stated.

The company added that pending the completion of repairs to government disposal facilities, waste would be evacuated once every two weeks and advised residents of multi-flat buildings to acquire additional waste bins and ensure refuse was properly bagged for collection.

Under the revised tariff, occupants of flats are to pay N8,000 monthly, wing duplexes N9,000, standard duplexes N10,000 and mini flats N5,500.

Despite the explanation, residents insisted that the increase was ill-timed and unfair.

Another resident, who identified himself simply as Clinton, also faulted the increase.

He wrote, “I just noticed that LAWMA has pasted a notice of waste disposal increase from N6,000 per flat per month to N8,000.

“It is worrisome that after abandoning waste disposal since March and only being able to dispose of the waste last week, the next thing is an increment. Isn’t this insensitive enough for us to say no?

“We kept paying while they weren’t doing their jobs. No apologies, no explanations, and certainly no form of compensation. All they could do was increase the charges.”

  

Read More

How To Apply For Lagos Climate Grant Worth Up To 5,000 Dollars - Environment Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab

Young people in Lagos with innovative ideas to tackle climate change can now apply for grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 under the Lagos Youth Climate Action Fund, an initiative supported by the Lagos State Government and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The programme is designed to support youth-led projects aimed at making Lagos greener, cleaner and more resilient through practical climate solutions.

Announcing the initiative on his X handle, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, encouraged young people to take advantage of the opportunity.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

“Got an innovative idea to make Lagos greener, cleaner, and more resilient? This is your opportunity to rise, lead, and demonstrate that meaningful climate action starts here.

“The future is in YOUR hands – and this is your chance to help shape it.

“The Lagos Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, is calling for bold, innovative, and youth-led projects that will drive climate action and contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient Lagos.

“Apply now and become part of the movement transforming ideas into impactful solutions for a better Lagos. Be the change. Lead the future,” Wahab wrote.

According to the organisers, eligible youth groups made up of individuals aged 15 to 24 years can receive microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to implement climate action projects across Lagos State.

As part of the application process, interested participants are expected to attend a pre-launch information webinar, where details on eligibility, project requirements and application procedures will be explained.

The webinar is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

How to apply

Applicants are required to:

* Register for the pre-launch webinar using the official registration link: https://tinyurl.com/ycafwebinar
* Fill in their first name, last name, and email address during registration.
* Attend the webinar to receive guidance on the grant application process, project eligibility and funding requirements.
* Prepare a youth-led climate action proposal that addresses environmental challenges in Lagos after the official application portal opens.

The organisers said the initiative seeks to equip cities with new ideas from young people, support them through small grants and strengthen youth participation in advancing local climate priorities.

  

Read More

Cleanliness Should Be A Daily Affair, Not Just For Last Saturday Of The Month - Lagos First Lady Tells Residents

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Saturday urged all residents not to wait till the last Saturday of the month to embark on the cleaning of their  environment but make it an everyday affair.

The First Lady spoke at Eputu ‘London’ in Ibeju- Lekki Local Government when she monitored the July edition of the sanitation exercise alongside the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat and Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab and selected Permanent Secretaries and top officials of the State.

Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to the residents of Eputu ‘London’ who came out in their large numbers to participate in the exercise,saying: “We are very, very proud of our people. We noticed today that in Ebutu London, both the children and the parents came out very early to clean their environment”

“In spite of the fact that we are noticing that we have all the floods and things happening in Lagos State, we are making a conscious effort to create awareness among our people to ensure that they remove all the debris as much as possible”, she stated.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

While describing the participation of people as a work in progress, the First Lady said that explains why school pupils are being involved so that the message of cleaniness can be imbibed at a younger age.

She added that this would ensure that whatever is handed down over to them, they will continue with it as they grow into adulthood.

Sanwo-Olu gave a commitment that from the August edition, students of tertiary institutions will also form a part of the monitoring of the monthly sanitation exercise.

Also speaking, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab informed that work is at an advanced stage at Olusosun and Simpson with respect to the Transfer Loading Station that are being constructed there.

“The ultimate goal is, once they are completed, there’ll be a material recovery facility at Ikorodu and Badagry to cart away the waste. And we believe we are going to get there

And I believe LAWMA and the PSP operators are also putting in a lot of effort. We just have to keep doing the advocacy and appealing to our people to manage the waste properly. People should take ownership rather than just pick up their waste and dump their waste on the median and all”, Wahab explained.

He affirmed that the State is gaining traction in the battle again filth and indiscriminate waste dumping but that some habits that are built over time also take a while to change, adding that consistency, advocacy and proper messaging will take us there.

He appealed to residents not to dump waste indiscriminately to people but rather call the attention of LAWMA through its Toll Free lines if a particular PSP operator is not coming to pick waste so that LAWMA can intervene in the interim.

Meanwhile, in Badagry Local Government, where the Special Adviser on the Environment Engr Kunle Rotimi-Akodu led other officials including Permanent Secretaries to monitor, he reiterated the unwavering commitment of the State to sustaining a cleaner, healthier and more resilient environment.

Akodu commended the people of Badagry for embracing environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility, noting that the level of compliance recorded during the exercise was encouraging.

According to him, the Lagos State Government is driving a behavioural change campaign aimed at transforming waste management practices across the State through sustained public enlightenment and community engagement.

“The culture we seek to build is one where every resident takes responsibility for the environment; Poor waste disposal habits contribute significantly to environmental degradation and flooding; We must all embrace proper waste management practices to safeguard our communities,” he said.

Responding to concerns raised by the council over the shortage of Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators servicing parts of Badagry, the Special Adviser assured residents that the Ministry would immediately review the complaint and work with the relevant regulatory authorities to address any identified service gaps.

Earlier, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support for environmental sustainability and thanked the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources for bringing the monitoring exercise to the area.

The Chairman disclosed that the council has continued to complement the operations of PSP operators through its intervention teams and waste evacuation trucks while carrying out sustained environmental advocacy across markets, communities, Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other grassroots platforms.

The APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayan-James who also participated during the clean-up urged all residents to sustain the momentum by continually cleaning up their environment and patronise assigned PSP operators.

She further said residents should avoid indiscriminate waste disposal and ensure drains, roadsides and public spaces remain free of refuse, stressing that environmental sustainability can only be achieved through collective responsibility and consistent compliance with environmental laws.

The monitoring exercise, which covered Ajara Market and adjoining communities, witnessed impressive participation from residents, traders, Community Development Committees (CDCs), youth organisations, students and other stakeholders, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental stewardship across the council area.

Also present at the clean-up were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Gaji Omobolaji, Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr Mahamood Adegbite, some Heads of Agencies as well as Directors in the Ministry.

  

Read More

Sanwo-Olu Wades Through Floodwaters In Lekki, Ajah, Assures Residents Of Government Action

  The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, waded through floodwaters in Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki Local Council, as he led a high-powered government delegation on an inspection tour of flood-prone communities affected by recent heavy rainfall across the Lekki corridor, pledging that government would take action to prevent a future incident.

  The governor, accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, commissioners and other cabinet members, visited Awoyaya, Ogombo, Sangotedo and the Chevron axis of Lekki and Ajah to assess the impact of flooding and evaluate the effectiveness of drainage channels and waterways in the area.

 

ADVERTORIAL

See inside for more details

 

Standing knee-deep in floodwater at Awoyaya while addressing journalists, Sanwo-Olu said the tour was aimed at obtaining first-hand information on the flooding situation and identifying immediate and long-term solutions.

  “We did not want to stay in the office and receive reports. We needed to come out and see the reality on the ground so that we can make informed decisions and implement the necessary corrective measures,” the governor said.

  He explained that the inspection revealed that many of the drainage channels and tributaries in the area remained functional, but the unprecedented volume of rainfall recorded over the past few weeks had overwhelmed parts of the system, resulting in flooding in some communities.

 According to him, several natural waterways and tributaries around the Lekki corridor continue to discharge into the Lagos Lagoon and eventually the Atlantic Ocean, but the intensity of the rainfall had significantly increased water levels.

  “What we have seen today is a combination of natural occurrences and human factors. The volume of rain that has fallen within the last three to four weeks has been exceptionally high. Nature will always take its course,” he said.

  The governor noted that Lagos is naturally surrounded by lagoons, wetlands and tributaries that have existed for decades, adding that urbanisation and encroachment on some of these waterways had contributed to drainage challenges in certain locations.

 He said government would continue dredging, clearing and expanding drainage infrastructure to ensure free flow of water, particularly in rapidly developing areas of the state.

 Sanwo-Olu disclosed that engineers accompanying the inspection team had already identified locations requiring additional intervention, including widening drainage channels, raising embankments and improving water discharge systems.

  He also explained that the state occasionally experiences “backflow” when water levels in the lagoon rise significantly during periods of intense rainfall, slowing the movement of water from drainage channels into larger water bodies.

 The governor likened the situation to a household drainage system, noting that blocked channels and excessive water volume could temporarily overwhelm existing infrastructure.

  He urged residents to desist from dumping refuse into drainage channels, warning that indiscriminate waste disposal remained a major contributor to urban flooding.

 “We all have a responsibility. Government will continue to provide infrastructure and maintain drainage systems, but residents must also play their part by keeping drains free of waste and protecting the environment,” he said.

 Sanwo-Olu sympathised with residents whose homes and properties had been affected by flooding, assuring them that the government was assessing the extent of the damage and would provide relief where necessary.

 He disclosed that some relief centres had already been activated for affected residents and promised continued support for vulnerable communities.

 The governor, however, warned that the rainy season was still ongoing and advised residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to relocate temporarily to safer locations whenever necessary.

 “The rains are not over yet. We urge residents to pay attention to weather advisories from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and information from relevant government agencies. People must take precautions and move to safer areas when required,” he said.

 Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property through continuous monitoring, infrastructure upgrades and emergency response measures, stressing that flood management requires collective responsibility between government and residents.

  

Read More

Lagos Plants 13,401 Trees In Six Months

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the state planted 13,401 trees across its five administrative divisions in the first six months of 2026, representing 67 per cent of its annual target of 20,000 trees.

The governor said the remaining trees would be planted during the current rainy season, expressing confidence that Lagos would surpass its annual target by October.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, disclosed this on Tuesday during the 2026 Annual Tree Planting Day organised by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency at Eko Amore Gardens, Freedom Way, Lekki.

 

ADVERTORIAL

See inside for more details

 

According to a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs, LASPARK, Abiodun Adebayo, the governor said the state’s tree-planting target was part of efforts to expand its green infrastructure to address the effects of climate change.

He said, “Lagos had already planted 13,401 trees across its five administrative divisions as of June 30, representing 67 per cent of the state’s annual target of 20,000 trees. The remaining trees and more would be planted during the current rainy season.

“Tree planting is a vital investment in the future of Lagos. Expanding the state’s green infrastructure remains critical to combating climate change, improving air quality, reducing urban heat, preserving biodiversity and enhancing the overall well-being of residents,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu urged the chairmen of the 57 local government areas and local council development areas to serve as “Tree Custodians” by working closely with LASPARK to protect and monitor trees within their communities.

He also reminded residents that anyone who unlawfully fells a tree is required by law to replace it with five others.

As part of the event, the governor unveiled the 20 Lagos Tree Champions in recognition of individuals and organisations that have contributed significantly to the state’s greening initiative.

He called on private organisations, development partners, educational institutions, community groups and residents to support the government’s tree-planting campaign through strategic partnerships and sustained environmental stewardship.

“The government alone cannot achieve the vision of a greener and more resilient Lagos. Stronger public-private collaboration will significantly accelerate the state’s greening agenda while creating healthier and more sustainable communities for present and future generations,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also commended LASPARK for promoting environmental awareness and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability under the THEMES+ Agenda.

The wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, described this year’s theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility,” as a reminder that protecting the environment requires collective action.

“The future of our environment depends on the choices we make today and the actions we take as individuals and corporate entities,” she said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, described tree planting as one of the most practical and cost-effective responses to climate change.

He said the annual exercise underscored the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

“Beyond beautifying the environment, trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, enrich soil fertility, reduce erosion, conserve water resources and create habitats for wildlife while supporting agriculture, tourism and other green economic opportunities,” Wahab said.

He added that every tree planted under the state’s afforestation programme had been geo-tagged and was being actively monitored to ensure its survival.

The commissioner appealed to residents, schools, businesses, community associations, development partners and civil society organisations to protect existing trees and plant more.

The General Manager of LASPARK, Mrs Adetoun Popoola, said the agency was deploying geotagging technology and community-based monitoring systems to improve tree survival rates.

She added that LASPARK would continue distributing free tree seedlings to residents, corporate organisations, Community Development Associations, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to encourage wider participation in the greening campaign.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Agege Local Government, Mr Vinod Obasa, pledged his council’s support for the state’s afforestation drive and promised to encourage more tree planting across the local government area.

Recall that Lagos State, last month, unveiled a new environmental initiative aimed at combating climate change and rising urban temperatures, committing to planting 500 trees across the state while joining a global campaign to address extreme heat in cities.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, made the announcement on the occasion of the 2026 World Environment Day, where officials warned that rapid urbanisation and climate change were increasing heat-related risks for residents.

  

Read More

Mother Arrested In Shomolu Over Child's Unlawful Waste Disposal

The Lagos State Government has arrested a woman for allegedly instructing her child to dump refuse into a covered drainage channel, warning that parents who encourage environmental violations will face prosecution.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the arrest on his official X account on Monday, saying the suspect, identified as Mrs McCarthy, was apprehended after enforcement officers investigated a report from residents.

According to Wahab, the woman, who resides at No. 56, Adaranijo Street, Pedro, Shomolu, allegedly directed her child to dispose of waste into a drainage channel, contrary to the state’s environmental laws.

 

ADVERTORIAL

See inside for more details

 

“Earlier today, we received a report that a woman identified as Mrs McCarthy, of No 56 Adaranijo Street, Pedro, Shomolu, allegedly encouraged her child to dispose of refuse into a covered drainage channel.

“Following the report, our enforcement officers promptly carried out an investigation, which led to her arrest for violating the State’s environmental laws,” the commissioner said.

Wahab said the incident underscored the need for parents and guardians to teach children responsible environmental practices instead of encouraging actions that could obstruct drainage systems and worsen flooding.

“We expect every resident to act responsibly and to educate their children on the importance of protecting public infrastructure, particularly drainage systems.

“Encouraging acts that contribute to blocked drains and environmental degradation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” he said.

Wahab added that maintaining a clean environment required collective action from residents.

“A clean, safe, and flood-resilient environment is a shared responsibility. We urge all residents to dispose of waste properly and support the collective effort to keep Lagos clean,” Wahab stated.

The commissioner also disclosed that the state had stepped up enforcement activities along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as part of efforts to restore environmental order.

According to him, enforcement teams have, over the past three weeks, intensified the removal of shanties, illegal structures and other environmental nuisances along the corridor.

“Over the past three weeks, our enforcement team has intensified the clearance of shanties, illegal structures, and other environmental nuisances along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

“This exercise will be followed by sustained surveillance and continuous monitoring to ensure that environmental order is restored and maintained along the corridor,” he said.

Wahab warned residents against converting public spaces into illegal markets or using them for unauthorised private activities, stressing that offenders would be prosecuted.

“We urge members of the public to respect and preserve our environment by refraining from converting public spaces into illegal markets or for any unauthorised private use.

“Anyone found encroaching on public spaces or using them for unlawful purposes will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State,” he said.

  

Read More

N20,000 Bribery Scandal: Lagos Queries LAGESC Officer Caught On Camera

The Lagos State Government has issued a query to an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps over allegations of corruption after a viral video purportedly showed him receiving a ₦20,000 bribe from a suspected environmental offender.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post on X on Friday, describing the officer’s alleged conduct as unacceptable and contrary to the ethics and core values of the agency.

According to Wahab, the officer has been formally queried, while a Personnel Management Board will be constituted to investigate the incident in line with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

“My attention has been drawn to a viral video allegedly showing an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps receiving a bribe from a lawbreaker. Such conduct is unacceptable and runs contrary to the rules, ethics, and core values of the Agency,” Wahab wrote.

“Consequently, we have immediately issued the officer a query, and this will be followed by the constitution of a Personnel Management Board (PMB) to investigate the matter in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.”

The commissioner reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, warning that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures.

“The Lagos State Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and any form of misconduct within its public service. Any officer found culpable will be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary measures as stipulated by the relevant regulations,” he said.

Wahab also warned members of the public against attempting to bribe government officials, stressing that both giving and receiving bribes are criminal offences.

“I also wish to remind Lagosians that offering a bribe is as unlawful as receiving one. We urge everyone to obey the law and refrain from attempting to compromise enforcement officers.

“Together, we can uphold integrity, strengthen public trust, and build a more accountable and responsible society,” he added.

In the query letter attached to the commissioner’s post, the officer was accused of collecting ₦20,000 from an offender, an act that was allegedly captured on video and circulated on social media.

The letter, referenced MOE/LAGESC/431/56 and dated July 10, 2026, stated that the footage was viewed by the Lagos State Governor.

“You were alleged to have collected the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (₦20,000) from an offender. This act was recorded and posted on social media, where it was viewed by His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State,” the letter read.

It described the alleged conduct as corruption and extortion, adding that it constituted serious misconduct under the Public Service Rules.

The officer was directed to submit a written explanation within 48 hours stating why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.

“Your representation (if any) must reach the undersigned officer within 48 hours of receipt of this letter. Failure to submit your response within the stipulated time limit will result in disciplinary action being taken against you,” the letter added.

  

Read More

The Coastal Highway Was Designed To Mitigate Flooding, Not Cause It - David Umahi Reacts To Criticisms From Lagosians

Minister of Works, David Umahi, says buildings located within 15 metres of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor will be demolished to make way for service lanes, insisting the measure is part of the project’s approved design.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE News, Umahi said the Federal Government would enforce the right-of-way along the coastal highway, adding that affected structures within the designated setback would be removed during construction.

He said the service lanes were designed to improve access to adjoining communities and businesses while enhancing traffic flow along the coastal corridor.

The minister also defended the project against claims that it had worsened flooding in Lagos, insisting the highway was specifically designed to reduce flood risks through extensive drainage infrastructure.

“The coastal highway was designed to mitigate flooding, not cause it,” Umahi said.

He said the project incorporates multiple culverts, stormwater evacuation channels and other drainage systems intended to manage runoff, protect nearby communities from ocean surges and improve flood resilience.

Umahi said flooding in areas such as Victoria Island predated the highway project, blaming the recurring problem on blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate refuse disposal and construction on natural waterways.

He added that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) had been completed before construction began and made available to the public, while noting that the highway was also intended to improve security along the coastal corridor.

His remarks come amid public debate following weeks of heavy rainfall that inundated several parts of Lagos, leaving major roads submerged, disrupting traffic and damaging homes and businesses.

The minister’s comments echo those of Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, who attributed the flooding primarily to environmental abuse rather than infrastructure projects.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Bush-Alebiosu said illegal land reclamation, unauthorised dredging and poor waste disposal were undermining efforts to tackle flooding in the state.

“It is important to identify what the problem is in the first place, and the problem is nothing other than bad habits,” he said.

“I mean, illegal reclamation and illegal dredging affect it on one hand; habits affect it on the other hand.”

The commissioner said while illegal reclamation was driven by commercial interests, indiscriminate refuse disposal reflected residents’ attitudes towards environmental sanitation.

“At the end of the day, those who, out of habit, dump refuse aren’t doing it because they want to make money from it. However, those who are reclaiming illegally are doing it for commercial purposes. So, you have both sides,” he said.

Bush-Alebiosu also warned against dumping human waste into lagoons, describing the practice as a threat to both public health and the environment.

“The first thing is that some people even dump faeces into the lagoon. This is the same lagoon that feeds us. You’re eating fish that’s feeding off faeces,” he said.

“So all of these things eventually will come back to bite us, and this is just a typical example of what we’re seeing at the moment.”

Recent flooding has affected areas including Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende, with sections of the Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Abeokuta, Apapa-Oshodi and Lekki-Epe expressways also inundated after persistent rainfall.

  

Read More