The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a Special Task Force to coordinate the immediate evacuation of refuse from transport parks, bus stops, and garages across the metropolis, while also warning against indiscriminate waste dumping and the emergence of illegal structures within motor parks.
The initiative is part of renewed efforts to restore environmental order in Africa’s most populous city, following a directive by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu mandating a 24-hour intensified waste evacuation operation across the state.
Speaking at an emergency stakeholders’ meeting with transport union leaders in Alausa, Ikeja, on Saturday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the intervention became necessary due to continued misuse of public spaces by some residents and transport operators.
He said the government could no longer ignore the growing problem of indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads, medians, and other public areas.
“Our beautiful city is being challenged by indiscriminate refuse disposal and environmental abuse. We cannot fold our arms while people dump waste on roads, medians and public spaces. This is totally unacceptable,” Osiyemi said.
He emphasised that while enforcement would be strengthened, collaboration with transport unions remains essential, given their strategic presence in parks and garages across the state.
“We are not abandoning this responsibility, neither are we doing it alone. What we are asking for is collaboration because this fight is for all of us,” he added.
Osiyemi warned that anyone found engaging in illegal waste disposal would henceforth face sanctions, stressing that transport unions must take ownership of cleanliness
