We’ll go away no stone unturned to guard Lagosians — Sanwo-Olu
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday assured residents of the State that his administration will go away no stone unturned in guaranteeing security of lives and property within the State.
Talking on the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Invoice on the Lagos Home, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed disappointment over the scooping of gas at Apapa bridge by some residents, describing the act as a suicide mission.
A press release by his Particular Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, famous that the governor counseled the swift motion of the Lagos State first responders in addition to the Police, who cordoned off the realm and took management of the scenario earlier than any catastrophe may happen, warning residents to desist from acts that would result in calamities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who spoke frankly on indiscipline, particularly indiscriminate dumping of refuse on highway medians, stated stiffer penalties can be served on defaulters this yr.
He stated, “We are going to enhance the capability of LAWMA and PSP on this yr’s finances. We are going to guarantee we improve the fleet of their compactor vans and all of the gear that might be required to maintain town clear and protected. We’ve given directions to LAWMA not solely to apprehend but additionally to see how we are able to cost individuals for environmental violations.”
Talking on the demolition train within the Makoko space of Lagos State, Governor Sanwo-Olu insisted that evacuation notices have been served over two years earlier than the demolition to these inside 150 to 250 metres of high-tension wires.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated the choice of the federal government was primarily based on the collective curiosity of Lagos State and the residents and never for any ulterior motive.
He stated, “Individuals want to know that it’s a massive metropolis we’re coping with, and the emergency and security of lives and properties are paramount that we have to prioritise. Of what curiosity would it not be for the federal government to need to unduly demolish anyone’s property? What curiosity if it’s not for the general security of the residents we’re speaking about?
“Numerous the individuals have constructed shanties underneath the high-tension wire, and the regulation is that you might want to clear between 150 and 250 metres away from the high-tension wire. We aren’t demolishing the entire of Makoko; we’re clearing the shanties so they don’t get to the Third Mainland Bridge and keep behind the excessive stress.
“We’re conscious that there are some native and worldwide NGOs that need to revenue from this. We’re finding out issues, and we’re going to present proof. They’ve made a lot cash from worldwide organizations and requested for therefore many grants and assets to enter these locations. It’s only for them to cowl their very own lies as a result of they haven’t executed what they stated they have been going to be doing. That’s the reason they’re all shouting and crying greater than the bereaved.
“We’ve been on this for therefore a few years, and we have now proof. The train was meant to be executed in December 2024; we prolonged all of it all through 2025. So, we can’t be a lawless set of individuals. We can not fold our arms and let calamity or catastrophe occur.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu additionally famous that as a compassionate authorities, affected residents can be given palliatives and relocation stipends as compensation.
He stated, “I’ve instructed each native governments and the varied ministries involved to see how additionally they may give further succour, palliatives and relocation stipends to a number of the individuals simply to indicate compassion. And to say, you have got executed mistaken, however the authorities can nonetheless present compassion and be compassionate about it. It’s to make sure that all of us can dwell in a protected and safe surroundings.”