The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a Special Task Force aimed at combating indiscriminate waste disposal across the state, particularly in bus stops, garages, lay-bys, and other public spaces. As part of the initiative, transport union members have been enlisted to serve as “waste police” to help enforce environmental sanitation regulations.
The task force was inaugurated during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Alausa, attended by senior government officials and leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, commended the transport unions for their previous support, particularly during the recently reintroduced monthly sanitation exercise.
Osiyemi described the meeting as an opportunity to deepen cooperation between the government and transport stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges.
“The meeting this morning is nothing but a call for more collaboration,” the commissioner said. “Our beautiful city is being challenged by indiscriminate refuse disposal and environmental abuse; we cannot fold our arms while people carry waste from their homes and dump it on roads, medians, and public spaces. This is totally unacceptable.”
He noted that while the state government remains committed to enforcing environmental laws, transport unions play a critical role because of their daily presence across Lagos.
“We cannot be on every road twenty-four hours a day; we are not abandoning this responsibility to you, neither are we doing it alone; what we are asking for is collaboration because this fight is not for government alone; it is for all of us. In collaboration with LAWMA, some of your union members will act as our waste police,” he said.
The commissioner warned that stricter sanctions would now apply to individuals caught dumping refuse illegally, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate environmental violations.
Osiyemi urged transport union leaders to ensure their garages, bus stops, and parks remain clean and orderly.
“Our roads are being littered by people every day; we want you to take responsibility as our partners to ensure this does not happen. Before you can enforce discipline outside, your own garages and bus stops must be in order,” he said.
He also criticised the spread of roadside trading and makeshift structures within transport facilities, saying such activities contribute to poor sanitation and environmental degradation.
“You must stop allowing indiscriminate trading in your parks and bus stops. You must stop the proliferation of shanties in garages; these places should not become centres for environmental abuse or criminal activities. Every garage must have cleaners and must be maintained at all times,” the commissioner declared.
Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sam Egube, highlighted the importance of transport workers in maintaining public safety and order.
“All over the world, transport workers are part of the security architecture of society; They are major sources of information. The people who commit crimes move on our roads, in our vehicles, and through our parks; when you see something, say something. No individual can outsmart all of us working together,” he said.
Egube added that Governor Sanwo-Olu believes Lagos can effectively tackle its environmental and social challenges through collective action and stronger stakeholder involvement.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, revealed that Lagos generates approximately 13,000 tonnes of waste every day, underscoring the urgency of improving waste management practices.
He praised transport unions for efficiently moving more than 22 million commuters daily and urged them to apply the same level of organisation to environmental sustainability efforts.
“We need your support. Lagos is our home, and we must keep it clean. From today, there must be no waste brought onto any road. Waste should be collected from homes and taken to designated points. Don’t bring refuse to the roads,” he said.
Gbadegesin also called on transport unions to discourage street trading around bus stops and newly constructed roads.
“We have invested enormous resources in constructing roads for the benefit of Lagosians; we should not allow people to trade indiscriminately on these roads or turn bus stops into markets; this must stop,” he stated.
Transportation stakeholder Sola Giwa assured transport unions that the Special Task Force would collaborate closely with them to enforce sanitation standards, remove illegal structures, and improve cleanliness across transport facilities.
He stressed that every resident has a role to play in protecting the state’s environment.
“The people of Lagos deserve the best. Those of us who truly love this State must not allow environmental abuse to continue. Together, we will transform Lagos and make it cleaner, safer, and more beautiful for everyone.”
In response, representatives of the transport unions pledged their support for the initiative and expressed readiness to work with the government on waste policing efforts across Lagos, including bus stops, garages, and transport parks.
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