…. Tokunbo Wahab Leads Environmental Reform Efforts in Lagos
The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), widely known as KAI, undertook a significant clean-up operation under the Eko Bridge on Lagos Island this past Monday.
This action, led by the agency’s Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Cole (retd), resulted in the demolition of 54 illegal structures and the displacement of 84 occupants residing in makeshift shanties.
Additionally, eight unapproved toilet facilities erected under the bridge in the Ebute-Ero, Elegbeta Water Channel area were removed.
The operation was part of an ongoing initiative to improve environmental health and public safety across Lagos. Corps Marshal Cole highlighted that the shanties had become a hub for criminal activity and environmental degradation, citing the occupants’ involvement in waste dumping and other illegal activities that threatened public order and cleanliness in the area.
Cole explained that the Elegbeta Water Channel, which runs from the Lagos Lagoon beneath the Eko Bridge, had turned into an informal settlement, attracting miscreants who exploited the location for unlawful activities.
He noted that the area had been a concern for law enforcement due to the potential security threats and public health risks it posed, adding that it had become a “haven for miscreants” and was also used as a hideout for illegal activities.
The Corps had previously issued a seven-day abatement notice to the occupants, ordering them to vacate the area, which was ignored. “We were left with no option but to execute the demolition,” stated Cole.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab’s Vision for a Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, has taken a strong stance on enforcing environmental laws across the state.
Under his leadership, LAGESC has reinforced its commitment to the THEMES+ agenda championed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This initiative prioritizes environmental sustainability, waste management, and overall sanitation in Lagos.
Wahab has emphasized that a cleaner, greener Lagos is essential to the well-being of residents and is a key aspect of the state’s development plan.
Cole praised Wahab’s leadership in making these environmental reforms possible and ensuring the agency’s efforts align with the state’s broader goals.
Wahab’s strategy includes supporting regular inspections, strengthening waste management policies, and setting strict repercussions for environmental offenses.
Cole warned that the agency would continue to monitor and address similar issues across Lagos. He emphasized that offenders who dispose of waste improperly, construct unauthorized structures, or use open areas as dumping grounds would face legal actions. Residents are also encouraged to secure valid waste management contracts and to adhere to environmental regulations, which aim to protect the city’s waterways and public spaces. He stressed the importance of using pedestrian bridges rather than crossing highways, as this contributes to public safety. Defaulters will be prosecuted to underscore the city’s stance on environmental law compliance. With the festive season approaching, Cole urged Lagosians to prioritize community-based safety and to report suspicious activities promptly. This approach, he noted, supports a collective effort to maintain a secure and clean environment for everyone in the city.
