Popular Lagos Socialite Jailed 15 Years For Drug Trafficking

A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced Lagos socialite, Mrs Funmilola Ogbuaya, popularly known in social circles as “Ariket,” to 15 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, aiding, and abetting the trafficking of cocaine.

The conviction comes nine years after her co-conspirator, Odeyemi Omolara, also known as Ariyo Olabisi, was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for her role in the same drug trafficking operation.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, held that the prosecution had successfully established its case against Ogbuaya beyond reasonable doubt.

After reviewing the arguments of both parties, the judge found her guilty of conspiracy, aiding, and abetting the attempted illegal export of 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia.

“The prosecution has proved all the essential ingredients of the offences charged against the convict,” Justice Dipeolu held.

He subsequently sentenced Ogbuaya to 15 years’ imprisonment but ordered that the term should run concurrently with the earlier 25-year sentence already imposed in connection with the matter.

The court further ruled that the jail term would take effect from May 19, 2017.

The case dates back to 2017, when Ogbuaya and Omolara were first arraigned before Justice Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari, now a Justice of the Court of Appeal, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession of cocaine, aiding and abetting, and attempted export of the prohibited drug.

While Omolara faced charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession, and attempted exportation of cocaine, Ogbuaya was specifically charged with conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and procuring Omolara to traffic the narcotic substance.

Both convicts initially pleaded not guilty and were granted bail on varying terms.

However, midway into the trial, Omolara informed the court of her decision to change her plea.

Following a re-reading of the charge, she pleaded guilty to attempting to illegally export the narcotic drug to Saudi Arabia

Justice Rabiu-Shagari subsequently sentenced her to 25 years’ imprisonment.

Omolara had challenged the conviction at the Court of Appeal, but her appeal was dismissed on February 26, 2021.

A three-member appellate panel, led by Justice Ebiowei Tobi, affirmed the lower court’s decision and held that the appeal lacked merit.

The prosecution, led by NDLEA counsel Abu Ibrahim, thereafter proceeded with Ogbuaya’s trial, calling nine witnesses and tendering several documentary exhibits, including the seized cocaine, all of which were admitted in evidence.

At the close of the prosecution’s case, Ogbuaya opted to file a no-case submission instead of opening her defence.

Arguing for the no-case submission on February 26, 2025, her counsel urged the court to discharge her on the grounds that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.

But in a ruling delivered on April 24, 2025, Justice Dipeolu dismissed the application.

“From the evidence adduced by prosecution witnesses one to nine, a prima facie case has been established against the defendant. There is a need for the defendant to open her defence against the charges against her,” the judge ruled.

Following the dismissal, Ogbuaya opened her defence, after which both parties filed and adopted their final written addresses.

The matter was then adjourned to April 28, 2026, for judgment.

Delivering the final verdict, Justice Dipeolu upheld the prosecution’s submissions and pronounced the socialite guilty as charged, but she was not sentenced until Wednesday.

The charges against Ogbuaya and her co-convict stated that they conspired on February 23, 2017, to export 1.595 kilograms of cocaine, contrary to Section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.

  

Read More

Lagos Launches 'Library On The Lagoon' Literacy Advocacy For The Environment Project

The Lagos State Government has launched a water-based public engagement platform, “Library on the Lagoon,” in a move to deepen environmental awareness, tackle pollution, and strengthen its blue economy agenda across inland waterways.

Unveiled yesterday, the initiative signals a shift toward integrating community-driven advocacy and creative engagement into the state’s broader maritime sustainability strategy, with officials positioning it as a scalable model for cleaner and more economically viable waterways.

Speaking at the launch on behalf of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Tunde Ajayi, said the project aligns with the agency’s ongoing efforts to monitor and reduce pollution across Lagos’ lagoon systems.

“We thought it was important to engage the creative arts. This initiative provides a platform to reach creative minds who care about environmental protection,” Ajayi said.

He noted that LASEPA’s regulatory work, particularly around pollution density and water quality indicators, would be strengthened by public participation and awareness-driven interventions.

“Bringing people into this awareness and encouraging discussions about cleaning the lagoon and ocean is a simple but powerful form of advocacy,” he added.

Ajayi expressed optimism that the initiative could support practical waste reduction outcomes within the lagoon ecosystem.

“This is one of the ways to mop up plastic waste that has found its way into the lagoon, and it is a very good one,” he said.

Project Director of the initiative, Maryam Kazeem, described the concept as a redefinition of traditional knowledge spaces, repositioned within Lagos’ maritime environment to drive behavioural change and policy-relevant conversations.

“The research for this project started about a year ago. We are thinking about the lagoon as a social research space, where a library is not just a stationary place but something created through interaction and shared experience,” Kazeem said.

She explained that the platform enables participants to engage directly on the water through guided activities designed to interrogate the lagoon’s historical, environmental, and economic relevance.

“At the centre of the exercise is a trash wheel powered by a typewriter, which is still in its prototype stage. The idea is to invite people to sit with the water, observe it, and think critically about their relationship with it,” she added.

Kazeem stressed that the initiative is also structured to confront the growing threat of pollution in Lagos waterways through experimental tools and collective engagement.

“It is more than what one person or even government can handle alone. We need to think about it collectively,” she said.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Damilola Emmanuel, framed the initiative as a multi-stakeholder model capable of supporting long-term maritime sustainability and economic utilisation of inland waterways.

“We are very excited because government cannot do it alone. We need the private sector, the non-profit sector, and everyone to work together to preserve our lagoons,” Emmanuel said.

He added that the state government is already considering expansion of the initiative across multiple water corridors in Lagos, given the strategic importance of its extensive lagoon network to transport, tourism, and environmental resilience.

“This is just one location, but we will continue to support its expansion. We want it to reach every part of Lagos because our lagoons are very extensive,” he said.

The one-week programme, running from April 26 to May 2, 2026, between 12:00pm and 6:00pm daily, is being held at the Five Cowries Creek Terminal, Falomo, Ikoyi, and is expected to serve as a pilot for broader replication.

Developed through a collaboration involving LASEPA, Iranti Press, and A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation, the project underscores a growing policy direction in Lagos that links environmental protection with economic sustainability under the blue economy framework.

Industry observers note that beyond its advocacy value, the initiative reflects an emerging recognition that sustainable management of Lagos’ waterways—critical to coastal trade, fisheries, and urban transport, will depend not only on regulation but also on sustained public engagement and behavioural change.

  

Read More

Lagos APC Women Leader Rallies Mothers, Professionals On The Need For A Cleaner City

As the return of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise was, on Saturday, observed across Lagos State, the APC State Women Leader, Alhaja Rofiat Iyabosola Eletu, has called on women to position themselves as the primary architects of a healthier society.

Speaking during the inaugural exercise at the Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, alongside the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Eletu emphasized that the journey toward a Greater Lagos begins at home.

She argued that women, as the primary influencers within the family unit, hold the key to long-term behavioral change in the state.

In her own words, “If we can govern the hygiene of our households, we can surely govern the hygiene of our streets. When we maintain a spotless home, we raise children who value order. A clean home is a sanctuary that wards off disease and fosters peace of mind.”

The Women Leader closed her address with a rallying cry, urging every woman in Lagos to pick up the mantle and refuse to tolerate filth in their communities.

Eletu noted that taking charge of the environment today is an investment in the health of future generations.

She reminded citizens that the environmental sanitation exercise and care must be a daily commitment.

“Cleanliness is a lifestyle, not an event,” she concluded.

  

Read More

Mixed Compliance Meets Return Of Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise

Mixed reactions greeted the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos State on Saturday, as many residents complied with movement restrictions but recorded limited participation in cleanup activities.

The Lagos State Government recently reinstated the exercise, scheduled for the last Saturday of every month between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., as part of efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.

Commercial activities were largely suspended across parts of the state as residents observed the restriction order. However, active participation in sanitation efforts remained low in several communities.

Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the exercise in Iyana-Ipaja and Alaguntan/Alimosho areas, observed that shops and businesses remained closed in compliance with government directives.

While some residents cleaned their surroundings, many stayed indoors throughout the exercise.

In spite of the restriction, a few food vendors operated within the Iyana-Ipaja market and nearby motor parks, selling to travellers and passengers waiting for movement restrictions to be lifted.

At several parks in Iyana-Ipaja, commuters were seen waiting patiently to continue their journeys, while some had already boarded buses ahead of the reopening of roads.

The usually busy Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway at Iyana-Ipaja appeared unusually quiet, with only minimal activity recorded. Some youths, however, took advantage of the reduced traffic to play football on the road.

Most residents remained indoors, with only a handful observed clearing gutters and cleaning their immediate surroundings.

Officials of the BRT monitoring and enforcement team were deployed to ensure compliance and maintain order.

  

Read More

Lagos Seals Off Toilets For Discharging Untreated matter And Raw Sewage Into Canals And Public Drains

The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed off two public toilets in Surulere and Lagos Island for discharging untreated faecal matter and raw sewage into canals and public drains.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on X said, ”The first toilet, located at No. 68, Jinadu Street, Surulere, was sealed for discharging untreated faecal matter into the canal, thereby polluting the environment.”

He noted that the second toilet, situated at Marina under Bridge, Lagos Island, was sealed for the deliberate discharge of raw sewage and untreated wastewater into public drains using a pumping machine.

The act was described as constituting a public nuisance, environmental pollution and endangering human health.

“The Lagos State Government enjoins residents to adopt proper wastewater management and hygiene practices to support public health and promote environmental sustainability, as any act of environmental nuisance will attract appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution,” the statement added.

The development has drawn reactions on X, where many Lagos residents welcomed the enforcement.

Commenting on Wahab’s post, Umeh, who tweets as #UmehWrites, described it as a “good move” and called for sustained inspections and publication of approved toilet locations to make hygienic facilities easily accessible.

Another individual, #AlliOlabisi5, urged the government to “seal everything up and prosecute the offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” while others commended the commissioner for assuring a cleaner Lagos through consistent action.

The LSWMO has intensified enforcement against illegal wastewater discharge across the state in recent months, sealing several properties and facilities in areas such as Surulere, Amuwo Odofin, Victoria Island and Lekki for similar violations.

 

Read More

Two Innovative Youths Seal Partnership Deal With Lagos Government On Public Toilets Mapping System Across The State

A 24-year-old Mathematics graduate from the University of Ibadan, Adetokunbo Ogunnoiki and his startup partner, a 24-year-old Mechanical Engineering student,

Ademola Gbadero, have sealed a partnership deal with

Lagos State

 Government to create a real-time mapping system for public toilets across the megacity.  

The collaboration follows a viral proposal Ogunnoiki pitched on X formerly Twitter on Saturday, which caught the attention of Commissioner for Environment

and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

According to Wahab, the innovation—developed under the startup “LooPoint”—leverages geo-mapping technology to help residents locate clean and available

public toilets in real time.

Recently, the Lagos State Government had urged businesses such as filling stations, banks, eateries, and other public-facing facilities to make their restrooms

accessible to the public as part of efforts to eliminate open defecation.

This was as the government also announced that it has deployed 1,710 functioning public toilets across the state to serve both residents and visitors.

Responding to the thread, Ogunnoiki pitched his startup, arguing that the problem wasn’t just building toilets, but making them “findable.”

“It’s not just a matter of constructing toilets, but making them findable,” Ogunnoiki wrote.

“We can map 1710 public toilets operated by the Lagos government, live status and rating on LooPoint. Businesses that have accessible restroom points,

and include those that choose to be listed. 

“Residents can use the platform without having to download the app on any device. The ministry also gains a data dashboard showing usage patterns, cleanliness

feedback, and maintenance needs,” he added. 

Within hours, he was invited to pitch his ideas directly to the Ministry on providing “real-time tech solutions that will ensure seamless public access

to the installed public toilets.”

Accompanied by his partner, Ogunnoiki reportedly presented his proposal to a panel of top officials in about 30 minutes on Monday.

“The duo demonstrated how they developed a tech solution to solve similar challenges on their university campus, the University of Ibadan; the platform,

they said, has successfully helped students locate clean and available toilets within the school,” the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Lagos State

Governor, Wale Ajetunmobi, noted. 

“In their PowerPoint presentation, Adetokunbo and Ademola outlined their proposal for the development of an advanced model of their tech platform, which

would enable commuters in Lagos to easily find clean and available public toilets in real-time using geo-mapping.

“They explained how their platform would provide users with information about toilet availability at every location, cleanliness ratings, walking directions

and estimated time to walk to a toilet,” he added.

Wahab also expressed that the project will further bolster the drive for a cleaner Lagos and encouraged constructive engagement from the public.

“We welcome objective criticism that offers solutions, not outright condemnation, insults and curses. Governance is about collective solutions and empowering

the next generation”.

The Commissioner wrote: “They proposed a tech platform that uses geo-mapping to help Lagosians locate clean and available public toilets in real time,

with features like cleanliness ratings, walking directions, and estimated arrival times. They have already deployed a similar solution on their university

campus with success.”

  

Read More

Open Defecation: Lagos Deploys 1,710 Public Toilets Across The State, Orders Business Outfits To Make Their Restrooms Accessible To The Public

The Lagos State Government has deployed 1,710 functional public toilets across the state and directed businesses, including restaurants, filling stations and banks, to make their restrooms accessible to members of the public.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post on X on Saturday, noting that the facilities are strategically located to serve both residents and visitors.

Wahab said government alone cannot eliminate open defecation, urging private establishments that serve the public to support ongoing sanitation efforts by allowing access to their restrooms where feasible.

He explained that the initiative is designed to significantly expand sanitation coverage across the state through collaboration between government and the private sector.

According to him, enforcement of environmental sanitation laws is also being strengthened alongside the expansion of infrastructure.

He wrote, “As part of our sustained efforts to eliminate open defecation and improve public sanitation across Lagos State, we currently have 1,710 functioning public toilets strategically located across the state for residents and visitors.

“However, government cannot do this alone. We are encouraging businesses such as filling stations, banks, eateries, and other public-facing facilities to make their restrooms accessible to the public where possible. This collaborative approach will significantly complement government efforts and expand access to sanitation facilities across the state”.

He added that authorities are arresting and prosecuting individuals caught engaging in open defecation in accordance with the law.

He said the measures were necessary to protect public health, preserve dignity, and maintain a cleaner environment for all.

“At the same time, we continue to enforce environmental sanitation laws. Individuals caught engaging in open defecation are being arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. These measures are necessary to protect public health, preserve dignity, and maintain a cleaner environment for all”, he added.

Wahab described access to sanitation as a shared responsibility. He stressed that residents and businesses must play their part as the government continues to expand infrastructure to ensure Lagos remains clean, safe, and habitable.

He concluded, “Access to sanitation is a shared responsibility. While government continues to expand infrastructure, residents and businesses must also play their part in ensuring Lagos remains clean, safe, and habitable”.

  

Read More

"Yes, Lagos Can Handle 13,000 Tonnes Of Daily Wastes - Tokunbo Wahab

In this interview with UTHMAN SALAMI, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, addresses pressing environmental challenges, including the planned $48m waterworks rehabilitation project, waste management and air pollution in the state

Some 2025 reports raised concerns about the quality of water supply in parts of Lagos Island, including Itafaji, Onola, and Adeniji Adele, noting that though the water may appear clean, it could contain hidden contaminants. What is your reaction to that?

In our waterworks, namely Iju, Shasi, and Adiyan, it bears stating that the capacity may not be enough to serve the entire state because Lagos has grown exponentially in the past few years. One of the areas we are servicing is Lagos Island, and I know we have addressed the challenge you raised. However, it is not actually about the quality of the water; it is about the way the water is supplied to those localities. What we have done differently is install new pipes. Previously, people had to take their buckets or other containers to collect water, sometimes even from drainage channels, because the pipes that existed were old. Many of them had been destroyed, cut, or mutilated. So, we had to do a lot of new piping. The water we supply, I can assure Lagosians, is 100 per cent clean and fully treated before it is discharged from our waterworks for public supply. Therefore, those concerns, with due respect, are no longer valid.

Talking about the piping and infrastructure, we have not been seeing the ministry laying pipes across the state. Why is that?

It is not the ministry (that does this) directly; it is the Lagos State Water Corporation, which is one of the major agencies under the ministry. What they have done differently is that they cannot carry out pipe replacements statewide all at once. Instead, the first thing they did was deploy a robot to inspect the pipes to identify leakages and determine which pipes needed replacement. In other words, they conducted an audit of the materials and infrastructure. After that process, they began determining what could realistically be addressed within the budget cycle. Water infrastructure is massive. The first waterworks that ran from Iju to Lagos Island was built over 100 years ago, even before the amalgamation of Nigeria. The Iju Waterworks itself dates back to 1895 or 1896, and the pipes ran from there to Lagos Island. Over the years, those pipes became very old and experienced major leakages. What has been done over time is to repair, replace, and fix sections. What the agency has now decided to do differently is to handle repairs in clusters. For example, they replaced pipes between the Alexander Waterworks in Ikoyi, which supplies the whole of Ikoyi, and Parkview Estate. I personally visited the site impromptu to see the work being done recently. That is how the clusters operate. Once one cluster is completed, they move to the next, based on the audit results.

 

There is hardly any residence in Lagos without a borehole or well. What is the government doing to reduce dependence on private boreholes and wells?

Scientifically, we cannot continue to sustain heavy reliance on boreholes because of the pressure it puts on the aquifer. That is why the government is investing heavily in water infrastructure. Some months ago, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the executive team visited the Adiyan Waterworks, which is currently undergoing massive investment. This was the second time the governor has visited during this administration, which shows how serious the government is about the project. There are two waterworks there. The main one, when fully operational, is expected to produce 70 million gallons of water per day. The first step in the project involves sourcing raw water from the Ogun River, which is about 8.3 kilometres away from the waterworks. The government had to secure the right of way from the Ogun State Government before laying massive pipes from the river to the waterworks. That stage has already been completed. The next phase involves mechanical and electrical installations, which are currently ongoing. This stage requires significant financial investment from the government. After that, the next major stage is reticulation, which is the distribution network that will deliver water to residents. We also need to address the issue of water policy. In many societies, people still see water and waste management as purely social services that should be free. However, globally, people pay for water services. We must eventually find a way to meter usage and charge minimal fees, no matter how small, so the system can be sustainable. Investors are already showing interest in participating in this large water infrastructure project, and the Lagos Water Corporation is handling those engagements. Additionally, the state has signed what is known as a WASH policy — Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene policy — which signals to the global community that Lagos is ready for investment in the water sector. Previously, USAID approved about $48 million to refurbish some mini and micro waterworks in the state. However, changes in the U.S. government slowed down that process. Meanwhile, projects like the Akilo Waterworks in Agege, supported by WaterAid, are already operational. Residents there can access water using token cards, paying only for the quantity they consume. This is the model Lagos intends to expand. Development does not happen overnight; it requires careful planning and execution.

Realistically, when should Lagos residents expect improved water supply across the state?

The projection from the governor and the government is that before the end of the administration, the Adiyan Phase II Waterworks should be fully operational. Once Adiyan II produces 70 million gallons daily, combined with Shasi, Adiyan I, and 48 mini and micro waterworks, Lagos will significantly increase its daily water production capacity. However, even that may still not completely meet demand. But it will greatly reduce reliance on boreholes, which are affecting the aquifer. The government is pushing to achieve this by next year, and you are welcome to visit the Adiyan II project site to see the progress being made.

Lagos reportedly generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily. Do you believe the current waste management system can handle this volume?

I believe 100 per cent that it can. The real problem is not the Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste collection structure; the challenge lies in the behaviour and responsibility of residents. Waste management is largely about culture. For example, where I live, waste collection happens every Wednesday. So we prepare our waste and place it outside the gate for pickup the night before. The process has three stages: collection from households, transportation to landfills, and final disposal. However, Lagos is transitioning away from a system where waste is simply dumped in landfills to one where waste becomes a resource. For instance, Lagos has an agreement with ZoomLion, which will process about 4,000 tonnes of waste daily. Instead of going to landfills, the waste will be taken to transfer loading stations and material recovery plants, where it will be converted into fertiliser and recyclable plastics. Another company from the Netherlands has also signed an agreement to process 2,500 tonnes daily for energy generation. Combined, these initiatives will remove about 6,000 tonnes of waste daily from landfills. Additionally, Lafarge takes combustible waste to power its cement factories. When all these systems operate fully, the volume of waste reaching landfills will reduce significantly, minimising the environmental impact. To answer your question conclusively, the system will work, but we need to rejig it. Rejig it in a way that will make those businessmen have a commensurate income from their businesses. There must also be a balance where LAWMA is doing much more to support them. Thirdly, regarding the open flank of the new waste landfills that we are opening up around Epe, Okeosho, and then EriKete at Badagry, we must find a way to put the proper infrastructure in place to make it attractive for the PSP operators to be able to access them. In the past few weeks, if you want to be fair to this government, things have improved. Because we have also started telling them that if they cannot do the work, they will be taken off. They will be given a query, and then they will be taken off. LAWMA has also had to double up its clearing capacity. That’s why you’ve seen a lot of improvement. But we are not even asking some questions. Why are people taking waste from their homes and dropping it on the median? Is it fair to the state? We wake up at times and see them come with very beautiful, fanciful vehicles. We have arrested them several times. I am a man who believes there must be consequences for bad behaviour, and that’s why I take them to court. We have prosecuted over 4,000 to 5,000 people in the past 12 months—prosecuted and taken them to court.

Residents say they obey the law by packing their waste and bringing it to their gates, but PSP operators sometimes do not come. What is the government doing about this?

Now, that’s why I said call out LAWMA. Call out the PSP operators. They have their numbers. I can show you my phone. I can show you that at times I receive over 50 complaints. But that was at the peak. Now, maybe about three or four from different parts of the state.

My responsibility is that I will never change my telephone number. It’s the number I’ve used for pver 20 years, and I’ll keep it. I will respond to you. Sorry about this, MD LAWMA; kindly cut this and treat it as a request. That’s what governance and leadership are about. We cannot get there overnight. If it could happen in Birmingham last year, another county in London is going through the same thing now. It’s a global challenge. How do you explain people waking up, leaving their houses, and going to urinate or defecate on the median? We have to enforce the law consistently and take them to court. That’s why the Lagos end of the median is clean. Are we going to get there overnight? I’ll tell you no. Are we going to get there eventually? I’ll tell you 100 per cent yes. It’s a journey and a process. Kigali, the US, and the UK did not get there overnight. They got there because they chose to enforce their laws. Are we going to have difficult moments? Yes. But we have to keep pushing for the best.

The state government has talked for years about upgrading and rehabilitating landfills. What is the current status of the planned rehabilitation of major landfills such as Olusosun and Solous?

As I mentioned, we are opening up EriKete at Badagry and Okeosho at the moment. The objective is to decommission Olusosun and Solous. But until the new sites are fully functional, you cannot decommission the old ones. It is an 18-month project. We will decommission them fully and cap them. That is part of the agreement we have with ZoomLion.

When will the project be completed?

It is 18 months from the day they start work.

Have they started work?

The House (of Assembly) just passed the agreement last week, or they will pass it next week—I’m not entirely sure.

Residents in places like Ikorodu and Lekki complain about flooding. What is the government doing about it?

When it comes to flooding, let me give you the facts. I resumed two years ago, and with data we have progressively reduced the incidence of flash flooding. If you are familiar with Lekki and its history, much of Lekki is reclaimed swamp land. That means it is surrounded by water bodies. Lagos is a coastal state, and in a coastal state you will experience flash flooding. Some parts of Lagos are even below sea level. What we have done differently is provide infrastructure that enables water to discharge properly. Lagos Island is an example—areas like Ojo Giwa, Oroyinyin, and Aroloya. When we resumed, we visited those places wearing rain boots. Two weeks ago, we went again, and we have almost completed the drainage work. But because those areas are below sea level, we also built a pumping station at Ilubirin that can pump three million gallons per hour to discharge water effectively. In places like Kosefe, Ajegunle, and Ogombo, many people have reclaimed land near the lagoon. But we are also ensuring that our Emergency Flood Abatement Gang works around the clock to declog and desilt drainage systems across the state. Because Lagos is bounded by about 186 kilometres of the Atlantic Ocean, when it rains heavily, there will sometimes be a tidal lock. That means rainwater cannot discharge immediately, which causes temporary flooding. Developed countries with the best infrastructure still experience flash flooding. Climate change is also real. That’s why we see excessive heat and rainfall. It has been raining almost all year—December, January, and February. Seasons have changed. But as a state, we keep doing what we must do.

What are the long-term plans to stop people from dumping waste in drainage channels after they have been cleared?

It comes back to what we said earlier: we must take ownership of our environment and public infrastructure. How do you wake up and throw debris into a drainage channel? But we will not make excuses. That’s why we have the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang. Their job is to keep clearing drainage channels. If EFAG can succeed 50 per cent, we will solve half of Lagos’ flooding problems. I can confidently say that flooding incidents have reduced drastically, and we are proud to say that to Lagos residents.

There is another canal near the stadium that residents complain about. What is being done about it?

Yes. Some time ago, it was awarded as an ecological project by the Federal Government. What we are doing is approaching it from both the downstream and upstream sections. The vegetation you see over the canal will be cleared. It has been noted.

Is the state government doing anything to monitor and control air pollution in Lagos?

Yes. We have air-quality monitoring machines installed across the state by LASEPA and its partners. These machines provide daily readings, and LASEPA monitors them 24 hours a day. We also have noise-pollution monitoring machines installed in several areas. Last year, there was a New York Times report about lead pollution around Lagos. When I resumed three years ago, we received a similar report. We told the companies involved that they could not operate in Lagos if they could not meet global environmental standards. They could not comply, so we pushed them out of Lagos, and they moved to Ogun State. We installed air-quality monitoring equipment around the area and continue to monitor it.

Have there been violations, and what actions are taken when pollution levels rise?

If the air-quality machines detect abnormal readings, we alert the community and ask them to take remedial actions immediately. For example, in the smoked fish market in Bariga, the readings were always in the red because of the smoking process. We engaged the traders through advocacy and helped them change their equipment. Today, the situation has improved significantly. That is what it is about—continuous advocacy and engagement. As for noise pollution, I am a Christian from a Muslim background. No religion teaches you to disturb others. You should not disturb people with your religion. We just have to keep promoting a culture of mutual respect.

Culled from The Punch 

Read More

LAWMA Kicks Off Operation 'Show Your PSP Payment Receipt' In Apapa-Iganmu Council Area

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has announced a compliance operation requiring residents and businesses in Apapa-Iganmu communities to present proof of payment to their assigned Private Sector Participant waste operators.

The initiative, tagged “Show Your PSP Payment Receipt,” was disclosed in a statement shared on the Lagos State Government’s official social media platforms on Monday.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the exercise was designed to address indiscriminate waste disposal and identify properties without valid waste collection arrangements.

According to the statement, the operation would involve routine compliance checks across residential and commercial premises.

“The initiative was designed to tackle the root causes of indiscriminate waste disposal by verifying property-level compliance with Private Sector Participant waste collection payment obligations.

“The operation would involve routine checks requiring residents, commercial premises, and business operators to present evidence of registration and payment to their assigned PSP operators,” the statement partly read.

Gbadegesin explained that the measure would help close service gaps contributing to illegal dumping and blackspot formation across the axis.

“He stated that the exercise would help identify properties without valid PSP arrangements and close service gaps that contribute to illegal dumping and blackspot formation,” the statement read.

He urged residents and business operators within the Apapa-Iganmu corridor to regularise their PSP payments and maintain proper waste storage practices ahead of the enforcement drive.

  

Read More

Ladipo Market Shut Over Environmental Violations

Ladipo market, a spare parts market, where automobile parts are sold, has once again been shut by the Lagos state government over environmental violations. Ladipo Market is located along the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway). It is a market highly dominated by traders from the eastern part of the country. The state government said it was closing the market due to repeated environmental violations.

The closure was announced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, in a post shared on X.

 According to him, the action followed persistent violations, including indiscriminate disposal of refuse on road medians and highways, as well as illegal street trading.

“Lagos State government, this morning, sealed Ladipo Spare Parts Market along Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway) over repeated environmental infractions; indiscriminate refuse disposal on the median/highway and illegal street trading,” he said.

Officials said the move underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental degradation, improper waste management and activities that obstruct traffic and endanger public safety.

The state government has repeatedly warned traders and residents against street trading and unlawful waste disposal, stressing that enforcement actions would continue against defaulters across the metropolis.

Meanwhile, traders at the market have appealed to the Lagos State Government to reconsider the closure, lamenting that the closure has grounded business activities in the multibillion-naira market.

A trader, Leo Ugochukwu Ogbonna, said the notice of the planned action was short and poorly communicated. “We got information last Thursday that the government could seal part of the market, but this was the first time. The notice was too short and the message was not well passed,” he said.

Ogbonna, who is also the assistant manager of J&F Warehouse, added that traders had waste bins within the market but complained of irregular evacuation by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

“We are not dumping refuse on the road, so our warehouse should not have been locked,” he said.

Another trader, Vincent Nduka, said the government acted rightly but stressed the need for traders to take responsibility. “The service lane is mostly congested by some traders, and the government wants to put things in order. The market will reopen soon, but we need to play our part,” he said.

He blamed the market management for allowing traders to spill onto the road and appealed for more waste bins to be provided to help keep the market clean.

Responding, LAWMA spokesperson Mukaila Sanusi said the agency had provided designated locations for waste disposal and regularly evacuated refuse from the market. He added that traders often violated the arrangement by dumping waste on the expressway median despite repeated warnings.

Sanusi said the continued disregard for environmental regulations prompted the enforcement action taken by the state government.

 

Read More

Lagos Trains Teachers, Students On Wastes Management And Fire Prevention

The Lagos State Government, on Thursday, stepped up efforts to promote environmental sustainability and safety in public schools by training teachers and students on waste management and fire prevention, amid growing concerns over recent fire incidents across the state.

The training, organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together teachers, students and education officials from public secondary schools across the state.

Officials said the initiative was aimed at instilling early awareness of environmental responsibility among students, while equipping teachers with practical knowledge to respond effectively to emergencies, particularly fire outbreaks.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the programme was partly motivated by recent fire incidents in parts of Lagos, as well as the need to strengthen preventive education in schools.

He recalled that fire outbreaks recorded last year in some communities highlighted gaps in safety awareness, stressing that prevention remained the most effective response. The commissioner also referenced the innovation of two Lagos students and their teacher, whose work on fire safety earned the state international recognition.

“Last year, fire outbreaks in some parts of Lagos, and the innovation by two students and their teacher, motivated the passion for organising this programme,” Alli-Balogun said. “Those students represented Lagos State in Singapore, and they did well. It showed what our students can achieve when properly guided.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, urged teachers to go beyond theory by ensuring students understand basic safety procedures and environmental practices.

She said schools must serve as centres of behavioural change, where students are taught to be proactive during emergencies and be conscious of their surroundings. According to her, early education remains critical in reducing avoidable disasters linked to human negligence.

Tutor-General of Education District III, Dr Osinaike, described the programme as a vital step in deepening sensitisation among students, while charging teachers to cascade the lessons to their respective schools.

“This training will help students to be more aware, while teachers are expected to carry the message back to their classrooms and school communities,” he said.

Representatives of LAWMA, who facilitated sessions on waste management, emphasised the link between poor environmental practices and public health risks. They encouraged students to adopt a “think, act and do” mindset towards waste disposal, recycling and cleanliness.

The agency also reminded participants of the Lagos State Government’s ban on single-use plastics such as styrofoam, noting that such materials contribute significantly to flooding, environmental degradation and blocked drainage systems, especially during the rainy season.

Fire safety sessions were led by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Goke Babatunde, who represented the Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Abimbola.

Babatunde told students that the most effective way to combat fire was prevention, explaining that fire occurs through the interaction of three elements: heat, fuel and oxygen.

“When you remove one of these elements, fire cannot occur,” he said, urging students to report faulty electrical fittings, avoid playing with flammable materials and observe safety rules both at home and in school.

Lagos has, in recent years, intensified public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and waste management, particularly as the state continues to grapple with rapid urbanisation, population growth and environmental pressures.

One of the teachers who attended the program said, while the state is doing its best to promote necessary awareness, providing tools for the realisation of these tasks is also important.

 

Read More

Lagos Crackdown: 26 Hoodlums Jailed, 115 Beggars Arrested

The Lagos State Government has sentenced 26 members of the notorious ‘Omotaku’ group to three months’ imprisonment and arrested 115 street beggars in ongoing enforcement operations across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on X on Monday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

According to the statement, the enforcement exercise was carried out across multiple locations in Lagos as part of efforts to restore public order and ensure the proper use of public spaces.

“A total of 115 street beggars were arrested today across various locations in the state during the ongoing enforcement operations,” the statement said.

It added that 26 members of the ‘Omotaku’ group, apprehended from different parts of the state within the last 24 hours, were arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Oshodi.

“In addition, 26 members of the notorious ‘Omotaku’ group apprehended from different parts of Lagos within the last 24 hours were arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Oshodi,” the statement read.

The commissioner noted that the suspects pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them and were sentenced accordingly.

“The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them and were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

Wahab stated that the action underscored the state government’s zero tolerance for activities that threaten public safety and environmental order.

“This action reinforces the state government’s firm stance against activities that threaten public safety, order, and the effective use of public spaces,” the statement added.

The commissioner further assured residents that enforcement operations would continue across Lagos to maintain safety and order.

“Enforcement efforts will continue across the state to ensure compliance with existing laws and to maintain a safe and orderly environment for all Lagosians, ,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government arrested 281 street urchins, popularly known as ‘Omotaku’, during a week-long operation across the state.

The operation covered areas including Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Bourdillon, Animashaun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere and other adjoining roads on both the Island and Mainland.

Explaining the rationale behind the exercise, Wahab said the operation was aimed at “keeping roads and public spaces clear, reducing safety risks to motorists and pedestrians, and maintaining environmental sanity in the state.

 

Read More

Lagos, MTN To Redevelop Obalende Under-bridge Into Modern Transport Hub

Lagos State Government has collaborated with MTN Nigeria to redevelop and transform the Obalende under-bridge into a modern, well-structured transport hub to be known as Y’ELLO Bus Park.

Commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed this development in a post shared on his X account on Tuesday,

According to him, this redevelopment will convert what was once a notorious and degraded space into a functional, secure, and community-centred facility. He added that the new bus park will feature an organised and regulated transport terminal, a recycling drop-off station, a road camp for LAWMA sweepers and security agencies, over 60 public toilet fixtures, kiosks, and other essential amenities designed to serve commuters and residents alike.

Wahab maintained that the proposed design will prioritise safety, health, and aesthetics, while solar-powered lighting will improve night-time visibility to reduce blind spots, and enhance CCTV effectiveness, thereby helping to curb criminal activities and improve overall security in the Obalende axis.

He added that a biodigester system is also being introduced to sustainably manage wastewater generated within the park, while a dedicated recycling station will discourage illegal waste disposal in the area.

”In line with our commitment to climate responsibility, the project includes the installation of solar panels to support long-term energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint. Tree planting is also planned to improve air quality and enhance the visual appeal of the environment.

This project reflects our resolve to reclaim public spaces, make them functional, sustainable, and safe, and ensure they serve the needs of Lagosians in a modern, responsible way. Together, we are building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Lagos,” he wrote on X.

 

Read More

Government To Clamp Down On Drainage Encroachment In Lekki

The Lagos State government has announced plans to intensify enforcement against drainage encroachment and other environmental infractions in Lekki axis, as part of efforts to mitigate flooding and protect critical water infrastructure.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said this while inspecting ongoing drainage projects and flood-prone areas in Ogombo, Lake Embankment, Ikate, Mobil, Mobil Road, Kusenla and other adjoining communities.

Wahab said the inspection followed intelligence reports on attempts to tamper with major drainage alignments, particularly System 46, warning that any interference could have far-reaching consequences for the Ikota River corridor.

“We received whistleblower information that there was encroachment on System 46. We have decided to install signposts to clearly demarcate the alignment and ensure that no one goes back to reduce or tamper with it, because it will eventually affect the Ikota River,” he said.

At System 44, the commissioner recalled that contraventions had earlier been removed from the drainage alignment two years ago, noting that contractors were still on site. He explained that persistent flooding along Mobil Road was traced to temporary damming of upstream and downstream sections to enable construction works.

“We have directed the contractor to hasten work, so the damned areas can be removed. About 800 metres remain on both the upstream and downstream sections leading to the Ikota River,” he said.

The commissioner added the state government had expanded the scope of the project to include not only drainage construction but also the installation of a pump station to improve flood discharge capacity.

“This is our third visit here. After our earlier inspections, we awarded the job, and due to developments in the area, including the regional road project, we approved additional electro-mechanical works and a pump station to effectively manage flooding,” he added.

Wahab expressed concern over the takeover of wetlands and illegal sand-filling observed along Mobil Road, as well as the emergence of shanties along the Coastal Road corridor.

He said the government would erect signposts to protect wetland alignments and adopt a coordinated approach with the Federal Ministry of Works to address illegal occupation along the Coastal Road, which is a federal asset.

According to him, uncontrolled settlements around conservation areas pose environmental and security risks, adding that open burning observed behind a conservation zone could also threaten wildlife habitats.

On the timeline for completion of projects, Wahab said the drainage works were initially scheduled for 24 months, but the addition of new components could extend the project by about 12 months.

Speaking on the state’s preparedness for the rainy season, the commissioner stressed the reality of climate change, citing persistent rainfall in recent months.

“The rain has not stopped. Anyone who says climate change or global warming is not real is simply denying reality. Our responsibility is to continue advocacy, provide resilient infrastructure and ensure residents take ownership of these facilities,” he said.

He urged residents to refrain from activities that undermine public infrastructure, assuring that the state government would continue to enforce environmental laws to safeguard lives, property and sustainable development.

                         

Read More

Markets Along Igando And Ikotun Roads Evacuated By Environmental Enforcement Team

The Lagos State Government on Saturday cleared roadside markets along the Ikotun–Igando Road in Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA).

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, reported this in a post on his official X account, accompanying it with a video showing enforcement raid clearing trader encroachments and waste from Ikotun and Igando markets to reclaim roads and enforce sanitation laws via Project WISE and PSP teams.

“Earlier today, 20th December 2025, our joint enforcement team conducted an operation across Ikotun Main Market, Igando Market, and other roadside markets along the Ikotun–Igando Road,” Wahab said.

“The exercise involved dislodging recalcitrant traders who had encroached on road setbacks and walkways, and addressing improper waste disposal and other nuisance activities in violation of Lagos State sanitation laws.”

Wahab added that the operation was jointly executed by Project WISE (led by Mr. Bayo Oladeji) and PSP Services (led by Mr. Tunde Sulaiman).

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government recently urged all residents to participate in the state’s waste-to-wealth initiative to promote a circular economy. This initiative aims to reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills, encourage the reuse of waste and promote recycling of waste for a sustainable environment.

Making the call during a television talk show, Wahab emphasised the importance of building a waste management culture that all residents must adopt for proper environmental sanitation.

Officials are visiting various areas across the state every Thursday, including Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe for the Trash for Cash initiatives, which involves giving cash to residents for their waste or collecting waste directly.

The government plans to establish permanent collecting points where residents can exchange their trash for a reasonable amount of cash, to discourage illicit waste disposal on roads, setbacks, medians, open spaces and canals.

The commissioner explained that the government was transitioning from the linear waste system of pick and drop, which is unsustainable and environmentally unfriendly, to a system where waste is viewed as a resource that can be converted into energy.

According to him, over the past two years, the government has been actively promoting partnership with local and global stakeholders to convert waste into compost fertiliser or recycled plastics.

“Companies such as Lafarge are already using waste to generate power, and the state is exploring other innovative ways to repurpose waste materials,” he added.

Wahab said the government signed a concession agreement with a company called Zoom Lion to convert 4,000 tonnes of daily waste into wealth, with 55 per cent of waste to compost fertiliser and recyclables.

The efforts have significantly reduced the amount of waste ending up in landfills, leading to the decommissioning of certain landfills like Olososun, Ikeja and Soluos 3, Igando.

He reiterated that the government banned cart-pushers across the state and introduced the waste-to-wealth initiative in their place. According to him, it is essential for everyone to embrace the broader vision of a clean, safe, flood-free, and sustainable Lagos.

 

Read More

Lagos To Generate 250 Billion Dollars From Waste-To Wealth Initiative

The Lagos State Government and other key stakeholders have intensified their commitment to environmental initiatives, aiming to tap into Nigeria’s $250bn green economy potential.

During the 6th Lagos Waste Forum held in Lagos, leaders from the public and private sectors converged to discuss strategies for transforming waste into a driver of economic resilience.

According to a statement, the SWEEP Foundation NG organised the event, with support from UNIDO, the European Union, and Coca-Cola Nigeria, under the theme ‘The Power of Nigeria’s Waste Economy’.

The Special Adviser on the Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the state’s strategic role in Nigeria’s circular economy. He noted that while the city generates massive waste, it also offers a goldmine for innovation.

“Lagos generates vast quantities of waste, but within this challenge lies a significant opportunity, one realised through structure, innovation, and entrepreneurial intelligence,” the Governor’s representative stated.

He further explained that agencies like the Lagos Waste Management Authority, under the leadership of the Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, are building an integrated framework. He said this framework “positions Lagos as a hub of circular economy innovation.”

A representative of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance provided a breakdown of the sector’s financial promise. The representative cited the Federal Government and UNDP’s Imagine Nigeria report, which identifies a green economy potential of up to $250bn.

“Circularity is not just an ecological necessity but a strategic pathway to jobs, innovation, and environmental protection,” the FBRA official noted. The alliance highlighted that Nigeria produces 32 million tonnes of waste annually, with Lagos alone generating N18bn in recycling value in 2021.

The President and CEO of SWEEP Foundation NG, Obuesi Phillips, described dumpsites as emerging “waste mines.” He advocated for the creation of a Ministry of Waste Resources and a dedicated Green Bank to offer single-digit interest loans to waste-to-wealth entrepreneurs.

The Ogun State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, delivered the forum’s lecture, stressing the need for evidence-based interventions. He urged governments to move beyond mere policy declarations to achieve sustainable environmental results.

“Solutions must be guided by research, innovation, and evidence-based interventions tailored to Nigeria’s local contexts,” Oresanya said. He also called for a technically skilled environmental workforce across all levels of government.

Other notable attendees included the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Titi Oshodi; the Executive Director of Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, Natalie Beinisch; and UNIDO Field Coordination and Gender Expert, Emem Umana.

The forum concluded with participants pledging to prioritise financing, technology adoption, and community engagement. The stakeholders agreed that these pillars would accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a resource-efficient and climate-smart waste ecosystem.

 

Read More