The Lagos State Government has dismissed reports suggesting that it plans to replace the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) with transport unions in carrying out environmental enforcement duties across the state.
The clarification followed what the government described as misinformation being circulated by some bloggers and commentators after its recent engagement with transport unions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, the government said LAGESC, in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force, remains the statutory environmental enforcement arm of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
According to him, the recent engagement with transport unions was aimed at addressing persistent environmental challenges within parks, garages and the public transportation ecosystem, including illegal trading and the indiscriminate disposal of refuse on road medians and within transport facilities.
The commissioner explained that the initiative seeks to foster collaboration with transport unions, promote shared responsibility and improve cleanliness and waste management within parks and garages across the state.
“The State Government’s engagement with transport unions is aimed at fostering collaboration, promoting shared responsibility, and ensuring improved cleanliness and proper waste management within their respective parks and garages,” Wahab stated.
He stressed that the partnership does not diminish, transfer or replace the enforcement responsibilities of LAGESC and the Task Force.
“Rather, it is a complementary initiative designed to strengthen environmental compliance, sanitation standards, and stakeholder participation in maintaining a cleaner environment across the State,” the commissioner added.
Reassuring residents, Wahab said environmental cleanliness remains one of its top priorities and pledged to continue engaging relevant stakeholders and partners in its efforts to build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.
He further urged Lagosians to disregard reports suggesting that transport unions would assume the statutory responsibilities of LAGESC.