By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Lagos State Government has launched a Special Task Force to curb indiscriminate waste dumping across the state, particularly on roads, bus stops, garages and lay-bys.
The initiative will engage members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria as environmental monitors to report sanitation violations.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Sunday said the programme is designed to strengthen environmental enforcement and improve waste management across the metropolis.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stressed that collaboration between government and transport unions is essential to addressing environmental abuse, warning that offenders will face sanctions.
He also directed transport union leaders to keep parks and garages clean, discourage street trading and remove illegal structures that contribute to waste accumulation.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, urged transport workers to support efforts aimed at maintaining public order, security and a cleaner environment by reporting suspicious activities.
Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, revealed that Lagos generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, highlighting the need to eliminate illegal dumping and promote proper waste disposal practices.
He also called on transport unions to discourage street trading around bus stops and newly constructed roads.
Representatives of NURTW and RTEAN pledged their support for the initiative, promising to work with the government to enforce sanitation standards and promote a cleaner environment across Lagos.
