……State expands focus on Environment, clean energy, waste reform, and flooding prevention
Babajide Fadoju
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday presented the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity to members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, outlining priorities for infrastructure, public services, and community well-being under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda.
Speaking shortly after the presentation, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the new budget reflects continuity of key projects that protect lives and improve living conditions across the State. He noted that the environment sector has been allocated substantial amounts to scale up climate resilience efforts, sustain waste reforms, and strengthen environmental protection systems.
“In 2025, our work focused strongly on keeping communities safe from flooding and environmental hazards,” Wahab said. “Large-scale drainage rehabilitation took place across the divisions of Lagos. We reopened blocked canals, restored important flood channels, and continued stormwater clearance. These are among the most extensive drainage interventions the State has seen and they are already reducing risk in vulnerable areas.”
The Commissioner also highlighted improvements in waste management operations, saying LAWMA deployed additional trucks, increased its compactor fleet, and supplied more than 3,000 bins across business corridors and high-volume areas. He added that more households now sort their waste under the Blue Box Recycling Programme, while air quality tracking has improved through additional environmental sensors across the city.
“We strengthened sewage infrastructure and continued enforcement to prevent environmental abuse,” Wahab added. “LASPARK expanded greening projects across parks, public corridors, and other open spaces, improving Lagos aesthetics and public well-being.”
A milestone in the water sector was the near completion of the Adiyan Phase II Water Treatment Plant, expected to supply 70 million gallons of treated water daily once fully operational.
Wahab said the 2026 budget will advance clean energy initiatives, support recycling, deepen climate-smart systems, and accelerate community-level projects.
“Lagos is rising, and our investments reflect a long-term plan to protect residents, support growth, and sustain a safer and healthier environment,” the Commissioner said.
The budget presentation drew attendance from lawmakers, members of the executive council, traditional leaders, and representatives of civil society.