Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Calls for Daily Sanitation as Lagos Intensifies Fight Against Flooding, Disease Outbreaks.

Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Calls for Daily Sanitation as Lagos Intensifies Fight Against Flooding, Disease Outbreaks.

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents to make environmental cleanliness a daily responsibility, stressing that proper sanitation and responsible waste disposal are essential to reducing flooding risks and preventing the spread of diseases.

Sanwo-Olu made the call as Lagos continues to strengthen its environmental sanitation campaign and encourage greater public participation in keeping homes, streets, drainage channels and other public spaces clean.

She emphasised that sanitation should not be treated as an occasional exercise but as a consistent habit requiring the participation of residents, communities and relevant government agencies.

The appeal comes amid renewed efforts by the Lagos State Government to improve environmental hygiene across the state. The government has reintroduced a monthly environmental sanitation exercise after nearly a decade, with officials urging residents to clean their surroundings, clear drainage channels and dispose of waste through approved channels.

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, remains vulnerable to flooding because of its coastal geography, heavy rainfall and rapid urbanisation. Indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels can further obstruct the movement of stormwater, worsening flooding in vulnerable communities.

Beyond the environmental impact, poor sanitation can also create conditions that increase public health risks. Accumulated waste and stagnant water may contribute to the spread of disease, making proper waste management and regular cleaning important components of community health protection.

Sanwo-Olu’s call therefore places responsibility on residents to complement government efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping, maintaining clean surroundings and adopting sustainable sanitation habits.

The state government has also continued to emphasise the role of waste evacuation and enforcement in maintaining a cleaner environment. However, the success of Lagos’ sanitation drive will depend on sustained cooperation between residents, local authorities, waste management operators and other stakeholders.

As Lagos navigates the challenges of urban growth, flooding and environmental health, officials say a culture of daily sanitation remains critical to building a cleaner, healthier and more resilient city.