Lagos State Task Force Chairman Meets Stakeholders on Public Safety and Environmental Compliance

_…Commends Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Commitment to a Cleaner and Safer Lagos_

In another giant stride towards strengthening public safety, environmental sustainability, and urban orderliness in Africa’s leading megacity, the Lagos State Government has intensified stakeholder engagement in the five divisions of the State through the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force), reaffirming its commitment to building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Lagos.

As part of this strategic initiative, the Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force), CSP Adetayo Akerele, met with key stakeholders in Ikeja Division across the transportation, market, trade, and enforcement sectors to deepen collaboration on public safety, environmental compliance, and adherence to extant laws across Lagos State.

The stakeholders’ engagement programme with Theme “Promoting Public Safety and Environmental best practices in Lagos State” was earlier held at Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry and Lagos Central Divisions, held the Ikeja Division edition and Grand Finale at the Lagos State Safety Arena, Oshodi, brought together representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the Office of the Iyaloja General, National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), automobile associations, butchers’ associations, the Chairman of Mile 12 Perishable Items Market, the Chairman of the Ram Sellers Association, and Comrade Adewale Adedotun, Lagos State Chairman of Scrap Dealers and Employers Operators.

The Lagos State Chairman of NURTW, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle (Sego), was represented by the State Confidential Secretary, Comrade Omowunmi Aliyu.

Also present at the meeting were Corps Marshal Olaniyi Cole (RTD) of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Corps(KAI) , Barrister Adekunle, Coordinator of the Lagos State Mobile Court, alongside other critical stakeholders whose activities have direct implications for environmental management, public order, and urban safety in Lagos State.

Addressing participants, CSP Akerele described stakeholder engagement as a vital component in achieving the Lagos State Government’s vision of maintaining a safe, clean, healthy, and orderly environment for residents and businesses.

He applauded the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for its sustained investment in environmental sustainability, urban renewal, public infrastructure, and enforcement initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of Lagos residents.

According to the Task Force Chairman, the agency remains committed to supporting the Governor’s THEMES Plus Agenda through effective enforcement, public enlightenment campaigns, and strategic collaboration with stakeholders across various sectors of the economy.

CSP Akerele highlighted the statutory responsibilities of the Lagos State Task Force, noting that the agency plays a pivotal role in enforcing environmental laws, removing illegal structures and obstructions, ensuring compliance with traffic and public safety regulations, and supporting government initiatives geared toward preserving public order and environmental sanitation.

The Chairman, who was flanked by members of the agency’s administrative and operational management team, disclosed that the Task Force is working closely with relevant state agencies to address environmental challenges, particularly issues relating to waste management and open defecation, which remain concerns in some parts of the State.

He emphasized that environmental safety cannot be achieved through enforcement alone, stressing that collective responsibility and active stakeholder participation are essential to sustaining the gains recorded by the State Government in environmental management and urban sanitation.

CSP Akerele also expressed concern over reports alleging that some transport union officials allocate pedestrian walkways and other public spaces to petty traders, thereby obstructing free movement and creating environmental nuisances.

He stated that such practices are contrary to the Lagos State Government’s policy on public safety and urban orderliness, adding that the Task Force is engaging relevant stakeholders and will continue enforcement efforts aimed at ensuring that walkways, road setbacks, and other public spaces remain free from encroachment.

During the interactive session, the Chairman of Mile 12 International Market informed participants that traders within the market have remained proactive in waste management and sanitation practices. He assured the Task Force that market leadership would continue to support government initiatives aimed at maintaining cleanliness within the market and its surrounding environment.

Representatives of the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), while commending the State Government’s efforts in environmental management, appealed for the provision of mobile toilet facilities within mechanic villages across Lagos State to further enhance sanitation and support the campaign against open defecation.

Speaking on activities within the scrap industry, CSP Akerele charged Comrade Adewale Adedotun, Lagos State Chairman of Scrap Dealers and Employers Operators, to ensure that all members of the association are properly registered and possess verifiable means of identification.

According to him, proper identification of scrap dealers would strengthen accountability within the sector, enhance security, and assist law enforcement agencies in distinguishing legitimate operators from criminal elements.

The stakeholders commended the Lagos State Task Force for convening the engagement and pledged their continued cooperation with the agency in promoting environmental responsibility, public safety, and compliance with government regulations.

In his closing remarks, CSP Akerele reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustained stakeholder engagement, noting that lasting public and environmental safety can only be achieved through effective partnerships between government agencies, trade associations, transport unions, market leaders, and residents.

He assured Lagosians that the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) will continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally while working with all stakeholders to preserve the environment, protect public infrastructure and public spaces, and ensure a safer, cleaner, and more orderly Lagos State.

Signed

AbdulRaheem Gbadeyan
Director, Public Affairs
Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force)
Lagos State Government