LAGOS, NIGERIA — Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has criticised the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos State, describing the policy as parochial and lacking innovation in addressing modern waste management challenges.
He made the remarks on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., during a public policy discussion in Lagos, where stakeholders assessed urban sanitation strategies and environmental sustainability.
Rhodes-Vivour argued that the traditional monthly sanitation approach, which restricts movement for cleanup activities, does not reflect the realities of a rapidly growing megacity like Lagos. He maintained that such measures fail to address the root causes of waste management inefficiencies.
According to him, effective sanitation in a modern city requires systemic solutions, including efficient waste collection systems, recycling infrastructure, and strong environmental policies, rather than periodic exercises that offer only temporary results.
He further stated that the reintroduced sanitation programme disrupts economic activities, particularly for small businesses and informal sector workers who depend on daily income. He warned that such disruptions could have wider economic implications if not properly managed.
The Lagos monthly sanitation exercise, historically observed on the last Saturday of each month, had been suspended for years before recent moves to revive it as part of efforts to improve environmental cleanliness.
Supporters of the policy argue that it encourages community participation in environmental upkeep and helps instill a culture of cleanliness among residents. However, critics like Rhodes-Vivour believe that the approach is outdated and insufficient for tackling the scale of waste challenges facing Lagos.
Environmental experts note that Lagos generates thousands of tonnes of waste daily, requiring advanced systems such as waste sorting, recycling plants, and sustainable disposal methods to effectively manage the volume.
Rhodes-Vivour called on the state government to adopt more forward-looking strategies, including investment in modern waste management technologies and partnerships with the private sector to improve efficiency.
As debates continue, the discussion highlights broader concerns about urban planning and environmental governance in Lagos, with stakeholders seeking solutions that balance public health, economic activity, and long-term sustainability.
