The Lagos State Government has explained the recent arrest of a woman who was apprehended by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, LAGESC/KAI, for cooking on a road median in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1.
In a statement released by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab stated that the woman’s action breached existing environmental and sanitation laws governing the use of public spaces throughout the state.
According to the ministry, the woman said she was preparing food as part of a charitable act. However, authorities stressed that while the government supports acts of philanthropy, such efforts must fully comply with environmental regulations to ensure safety, cleanliness, and order.
“The Lagos State Government appreciates the goodwill and community support demonstrated by residents,” the statement noted. “Nonetheless, all charitable activities must comply with existing laws designed to protect public infrastructure and maintain urban discipline.”
The ministry restated the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to promoting a clean, sustainable, and well-organised environment for all residents of Lagos.
It further emphasised that the use of public infrastructure such as road medians for personal, commercial, or social purposes is strictly forbidden, as it poses risks to lives, damages public property, and disrupts the free flow of traffic.
The government explained that the enforcement operation, which included the woman’s arrest and the seizure of her cooking equipment, was part of the ongoing #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos campaigns aimed at safeguarding the city’s aesthetics and efficiency.
Residents and charitable organisations were urged to obtain the appropriate permits and make use of designated spaces for public activities.
