Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Government has provided clarification on the arrest of a woman cooking publicly on a road median in Lekki, saying the act contravened existing environmental and sanitation regulations, putting public safety and urban order at risk.
The explanation made by the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement he signed on Friday.
Wahab, while acknowledging the philanthropic effort of the lady, maintained that the act was carried out in compliance with the state’s extant laws to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and urban order.
Recall that a woman was recently seen in a viral video arguing with officials from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) who attempted to stop her from cooking in a public space in Lekki.
Reacting to the video, Wahab said, “The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources wishes to address a recent incident in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1, where an individual was apprehended by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) for engaging in unauthorized activities on public infrastructure.
“The individual in question claimed to be conducting charitable cooking activities on the road median, which unfortunately contravened existing environmental and sanitation regulations. 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 commissioner reiterated that “the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to fostering a clean, sustainable, and livable Lagos for all. Unauthorized use of public spaces, such as road medians, for commercial or personal activities poses significant risks, including damage to infrastructure, health hazards, and disruption to traffic flow.
“Our enforcement actions, including the arrest and removal of equipment in this case, are part of the #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos campaigns aimed at preserving the city’s aesthetic and functional integrity.”
He encouraged Lagosians to utilise designated spaces or seek necessary approvals for such activities to contribute positively without compromising the state’s standards and also partner with relevant agencies for guidance on compliant practices.
