The Lagos State Government has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of an individual by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1. The person was reportedly apprehended while conducting a charitable cooking activity on a public road median — an action the government described as a violation of existing environmental and sanitation laws.
In a statement released through the official social media page of Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, the government emphasized that while it recognizes and appreciates the charitable intentions behind such actions, all public activities must align with the state’s environmental standards and urban regulations.
According to the statement, the cooking exercise, though presented as an act of kindness, was conducted on public infrastructure not designated for such use. “The individual in question claimed to be conducting charitable cooking activities on the road median, which unfortunately contravened existing environmental and sanitation regulations,” the Ministry stated.
The government explained that the use of road medians, walkways, and other public spaces for non-designated purposes poses several dangers, including potential damage to infrastructure, exposure to health risks, and disruption of vehicular and pedestrian movement.
“While the Lagos State Government deeply appreciates the spirit of philanthropy and community support demonstrated by many residents, such initiatives must be carried out in compliance with the state’s extant laws to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and urban order,” the statement continued.
Commissioner Wahab reiterated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains steadfast in its mission to promote a clean, sustainable, and livable Lagos for all. He said enforcement measures, such as the arrest and removal of equipment in the Lekki incident, are part of the ongoing #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos campaigns aimed at maintaining the city’s aesthetic appeal and ensuring responsible use of public spaces.
“These enforcement actions are not meant to discourage benevolence or community service,” Wahab explained. “Rather, they are to ensure that such acts are carried out responsibly, without compromising environmental laws, endangering lives, or disrupting public order.”
He encouraged Lagosians to obtain the necessary approvals or use designated locations when organizing public or charitable activities, adding that the Ministry is open to partnering with individuals, organizations, and NGOs interested in community support projects.
“We urge all residents and organizations involved in charitable endeavors to partner with relevant agencies for guidance on compliant practices. This collaborative approach will help amplify the impact of goodwill while safeguarding our shared urban spaces,” the statement concluded.
The government’s response has stirred public debate online, with many Lagosians expressing mixed reactions. While some residents commended the government for enforcing order and maintaining environmental discipline, others called for a more flexible approach to humanitarian efforts, particularly in times of economic hardship.
Nonetheless, the Ministry reaffirmed that its goal is not to punish acts of kindness but to ensure that all such gestures are conducted safely and within the framework of the law. The Sanwo-Olu administration continues to appeal to the public to support ongoing environmental campaigns and contribute responsibly to building “A Greater Lagos Rising.”