The Lagos State Government has revealed that no fewer than 10,634 people were arrested within the past year for various environmental offences as authorities intensified efforts to improve sanitation and maintain order across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the disclosure during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, according to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.
Wahab explained that 5,715 individuals were arrested for crossing highways illegally, while 3,886 others were apprehended for offences such as street trading, environmental pollution, and cart pushing. He added that 102 persons were arrested for open defecation, while 931 offenders were prosecuted for waste management violations.
According to the commissioner, the enforcement campaign forms part of the government’s drive to create a cleaner, healthier, and flood-resilient Lagos in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He noted that enforcement agencies also removed illegal traders and squatters from different parts of the state while issuing environmental abatement notices to offenders.
Wahab further highlighted achievements in waste management and sustainability, stating that the government signed 12 new partnerships to strengthen environmental sustainability and boost its waste-to-wealth programme.
He also disclosed that the Ikosi Waste-to-Energy Biodigester Plant at the Ketu Fruit Market had been commissioned to convert organic waste into electricity, cooking gas, and fertiliser. According to him, the facility processes 0.5 tonnes of organic waste daily, generating 30kWh of electricity and reducing carbon emissions significantly.
The commissioner added that Lagos continued enforcing its ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics, noting that over 137,530kg of PET plastics had been recovered through recycling initiatives.
On climate action, Wahab said Lagos retained its ranking as Nigeria’s leading state in climate governance for the second consecutive year and successfully hosted the 2025 Lagos International Climate Change Summit focused on coastal resilience and blue economy opportunities.
He also revealed that more than 100 air quality monitoring sensors had been installed across the state, while cleaner fish-smoking technology was introduced in Makoko to reduce harmful smoke emissions.
Speaking on flood control efforts, the commissioner stated that the ministry cleaned and maintained 76 kilometres of primary drainage channels and 178 kilometres of secondary channels, alongside emergency flood control operations in vulnerable communities.
Wahab said the progress recorded in sanitation, climate action, drainage maintenance, and waste management reflects the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu administration to improving the living conditions of Lagos residents.