… State clamps down on noise pollution, street trading; waste-to-wealth initiatives launched

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced intensified enforcement of environmental laws, including actions against noise pollution and illegal street trading.

Several churches and mosques have been sealed for violating noise regulations, reflecting the state’s commitment to maintaining public order. With Lagos hosting 10% of Nigeria’s population on a limited landmass, the city faces immense pressure on its infrastructure, Wahab explained.

The government manages over 13,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily and is promoting private sector participation to enhance waste management, though residents’ refusal to pay for collection hampers progress. Innovative waste-to-wealth agreements and advocacy campaigns aim to prevent improper disposal and decommission major landfills.

Additionally, Wahab highlighted infrastructure improvements reducing flash floods and plans to ban single-use plastics by January 2025. “We are committed to protecting the lives of over 22 million Lagosians and ensuring Lagos remains resilient in the face of environmental challenges,” Wahab said.