The Lagos State Government has clarified that transport unions have not been assigned any environmental enforcement powers, dismissing claims that they are taking over duties of the state’s sanitation corps.
The clarification was issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Wahab said the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI, remains the legally mandated agency responsible for environmental enforcement in the state.
He also noted that the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force continues to support sanitation enforcement operations across the state.
According to him, recent engagements with transport unions were aimed at improving environmental hygiene in parks, garages and transport hubs, not delegating enforcement authority.
The commissioner explained that the initiative is designed to encourage compliance with sanitation rules among transport operators and workers.
He said the move addresses challenges such as illegal trading, indiscriminate waste disposal and poor environmental practices in transport facilities.
Wahab stressed that the partnership is intended to complement existing enforcement structures rather than replace them.
He reaffirmed that environmental cleanliness remains a key priority of the Lagos State Government, especially amid ongoing urban growth and population pressure.
Wahab added that the state will continue working with stakeholders across sectors to improve waste management and environmental sustainability.
“We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos,” he said.
The government’s statement follows public concern over reports suggesting that transport unions had been granted enforcement powers.
Lagos has in recent years intensified sanitation enforcement through agencies such as LAGESC and the Environmental and Special Offences Task Force, alongside public awareness campaigns and stakeholder partnerships.
