Sanwo-Olu orders evacuation as waste litters Lagos roads

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered an immediate and expanded waste evacuation exercise across the state following a recent buildup of refuse in parts of the metropolis.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Thursday, June 18, 2026, said the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), and the Ministry of Environment are currently working “around the clock” to restore cleanliness across affected communities.

The governor noted that additional trucks and personnel have been deployed to clear accumulated waste, with noticeable progress already being made in several neighbourhoods.

He stated: “Dear Lagosians, I have directed an immediate scale-up of waste evacuation across Lagos following the recent build-up of refuse in some parts of our state.

“LAWMA, LASEPA, and the Ministry of Environment are currently working around the clock. We have deployed extra trucks and personnel to clear the backlogs across all affected neighbourhoods. You should already see progress on the streets and we will not stop until our city is completely clean again.”

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Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos State generates more than 13,000 tons of waste daily, describing waste management as a massive but essential responsibility that requires sustained effort and cooperation.

Sanwo-Olu also appealed to residents to support the cleanup exercise by properly bagging their waste and avoiding indiscriminate dumping in drainage channels and roads.

The governor added: “As we continue this cleanup, I ask for your partnership. Please bag your waste properly and avoid dumping refuse in drainage channels or on the roads.

“We are fully on top of this situation. Let us work together to keep Lagos clean and safe for everyone.”