Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos govt announces traffic diversion on Osborne road

    Lagos govt announces traffic diversion on Osborne road

    The Lagos State Government has released a plan to divert traffic around Osborne Road in Ikoyi, Eti-Osa Local Government for two days, specifically Friday, Aug. 15 to Sunday, Aug. 17.

    The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

    He said that the plan became necessary to minimise disruption that will occur from connecting the drains along Modupe Alakija Crescent to the drains along the median on Osborne Road.

    “In line with efforts to improve the drainage system on Modupe Alakija Crescent and its environs, there is a need to connect the newly constructed drains, via a cross culvert, to the underground channel beneath the median along Osborne Road.

    “The construction of this cross culvert will require cutting a section of Osborne Road (before Foreshore Towers).

    “The work is scheduled to commence by 10.00 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15 and end by midnight on Sunday, Aug. 17,” he said.

    He noted that a traffic management plan would be implemented over the two-day period to minimise disruption.

    He said that this would involve a counterflow arrangement along Osborne/Alfred Rewane Road, spanning approximately 100 meters from Modupe Alakija Crescent to the Alfred Rewane Road junction.

    “Motorists heading to Osborne Road from Alfred Rewane Road will be diverted into a contraflow lane inbound Osborne Road, before reconnecting to their normal lane.

    “Motorists inbound Alfred Rewane Road from Osborne Road will be restricted to one lane to allow the counterflow.

    “For alternative routes, motorists from Osborne Road heading towards Alfred Rewane Road  should use Oba Adeyemi Oyekan Avenue to connect Glover Road, Lugard Avenue, or Cameron Road to continue their journey.

    “Likewise, motorists heading towards Osborne Road from Alfred Rewane Road should use Glover Road, Lugard Avenue, or Cameron Road to connect Oba Adeyemi Oyekan Avenue before continuing their journeys,” he said.

    Osiyemi pointed out that the road would be fully reopened to traffic on Monday, Aug. 18.

    He said the ministry of transportation, through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), would manage vehicular movements along the corridor to minimise inconveniences.

  • Tricycle operator killed in Egbe bridge collision

    Tricycle operator killed in Egbe bridge collision

    A Toyota Venza driver, registration number GWA 659 RD, fled an accident scene after killing a tricycle operator at Egbe Bridge summit, inward Ikotun, Lagos.

    The General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

    The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.

    According to Bakare-Oki, the driver, in an act of cowardice and moral dereliction, fled the scene after realising the devastation caused by his impatience and reckless driving.

    “Law enforcement authorities have launched a concerted manhunt to apprehend the fugitive motorist and subject him to the full rigours of the law,” he said.

    He said preliminary findings indicated the Toyota Venza approached from the Ejigbo axis, attempting a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre atop the bridge.

    He added that the vehicle collided with an oncoming tricycle, locally known as a “Marwa”, registration number EPE 245 QM, travelling from Ikotun.

    The violent collision killed the tricycle operator instantly, while two passengers – one male and one female – sustained serious injuries, including multiple fractures.

    LASTMA personnel rescued the injured from the wreckage, after which Ikotun Police officers took them to the General Hospital, Isolo, for urgent treatment.

    Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and wished the injured passengers a quick and full recovery.

    Reaffirming LASTMA’s commitment to road safety, Bakare-Oki urged motorists to be vigilant and ensure roads are clear before overtaking, especially on elevated roads and bridge crests.

    “This tragic incident is a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of impatience and blatant disregard for traffic laws,” he said.

    He stressed the need for discipline, foresight, and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent avoidable tragedies on Nigeria’s roads.

  • Lagos lost N19.52bn to fire in 2024 – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos lost N19.52bn to fire in 2024 – Sanwo-Olu

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called for urgent solutions to the recurring menace of tanker fire accidents, describing them as a significant challenge to the state.

    Sanwo-Olu spoke on Tuesday at the Lagos State International Fire Safety Conference 2.0 in Victoria Island, with the theme, “Leveraging Technology and Community Engagement to Prevent Fire.”

    The governor disclosed that Lagos lost property worth N19.52 billion to fire incidents in 2024.

    The conference, organised by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), served as a platform for stakeholders to explore strategies for fire prevention and improved emergency response.

    The governor said the state was adopting innovations such as the “Safety on the Move” initiative to address frequent tanker fires, while intensifying public sensitisation through market, school, factory, and residential visits.

    “Our goal is to ensure every Lagos resident knows how to spot potential fire hazards, prevent fires, stay safe, and help others,” he said, urging the public to be alert to early signs of fire risks.

    Sanwo-Olu commended LSFRS for responding to over 2,500 distress calls in 2023 and urged stakeholders to strengthen the Incident Command System, improve emergency response, and explore modern firefighting technologies.

    He further advised prioritising fire detection, protection, and suppression systems alongside conventional equipment to control outbreaks at the earliest stage.

    Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, reiterated the state government’s commitment to leveraging technology and community engagement to curb fire disasters.

    “There is a need to rejig our strategies because of the frequent recurrence of fire incidents. We remain unwavering in our commitment to achieving zero fire incidents,” he said.

    “Protecting our communities from fire outbreaks is a collective responsibility that we are all dedicated to.”

    Earlier, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, the Director, LSFRS, recounting the statistics of the number of fire incidents in the state, said property worth N117.12 billion were saved by the agency from fire in 2024.

    She disclosed that the estimated property lost was N19.52 billion.

    Adeseye said victims rescued alive were 450, while 91 were rescued dead.

    “The agency issued 7,039 compliance certificates and visited 7,870 commercial companies to ascertain their compliance level with fire safety code.

    “However, 831 did not comply with fire safety code.

    “In 2023, 2,573 fire incidents were recorded but in the year 2024, we had a sharp drop of 1,952,” she said.

    According to Adeseye, fire safety is not just about equipment but about the people.

    “We fight not to fight the fire but life and future. Fire safety is not securing equipment but about the people.”

  • CVR: Participate, don’t wait till 11th hour – INEC urges Lagos residents

    CVR: Participate, don’t wait till 11th hour – INEC urges Lagos residents

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has urged eligible residents to participate in  Continuous Voter Registration(CVR) and avoid last minute rush as the commission begins the exercise nationwide on Monday.

    Prof. Ayobami Salami, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) made this appeal at a news conference on Tuesday, to announce the commission’s readiness for the process in Lagos.

    Salami said: “Don’t wait until the last hours. We must reduce the rush towards the end of the exercise.

    “We appeal to all eligible residents to come and use this opportunity now before the rush begin.

    “The exercise for now, will take place at the state secretariat, 6 Birrel Avenue, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos as well as all the 20 Local Government offices of INEC.”

    According to him, the CVR exercise is a crucial component of the electoral process, aimed at ensuring that all eligible citizens are registered to vote.

    He said that the exercise would start Aug. 18 and that  online registration   could be done anywhere  before the physical biometric capturing, beginning Aug. 25.

    Salami said that the exercise is expected to end on Aug. 30, 2026.

    He said: “Our goal throughout the exercise is to make the process accessible, inclusive and transparent. The Online pre-registration will commence on Monday, Aug.18, 2025.

    “At this stage, registrants are urged to go online to commence the registration via our website portal for registration: https://www.cvr.inecnigeria.org OR www.cvr.inec.gov.ng.

    “The In-Person Physical Registration biometric capturing will commence on Monday, Aug. 25, in all our twenty (20) Local Government Area offices and the State secretariat of the Commission at Birrel Avenue, Yaba-Lagos.

    “The exercise commences by 9.00 am and ends by 3.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. However, any person on the queue as at 3:00 pm during this period shall be allowed to register.”

    The REC said that those eligible to partake in the process included adult Nigerians without prior registration,  those that had attained 18 years of age within the time frame of the exercise.

    According to him, others  are those willing to replace their damaged or lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and those willing to transfer their voting rights to other Polling Units, Registration Areas (Wards), Local Governments or States.

    “All these are within what we call intra- and inter-state transfers,” he said.

    He added that other eligible residents are  those willing to update their details due to cases such as spelling errors, change of address, omissions and marital status.

    “Let me use this medium to reiterate to the public that the commission frowns at underage registration as well as multiple registration because, such acts run foul of the provisions of the enabling instruments.

    “Offenders will be handed over to  law enforcement agencies,” he added.

    Salami said that residents with claims of lost cards,  requesting new cards  must present police report or court affidavit for such claims to be accepted.

    Salami said that INEC was counting on the media for a successful CVR in the area of public awareness, education, sensitisations, monitoring and reporting as well as promotion of transparency.

    According to him, the CVR exercise is open to all eligible citizens and the registration remains a crucial step in ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard.

    The  REC also called for collaboration of  other  stakeholders to ensure the success of the exercise.

    “I look forward to a robust and fruitful collaboration with the media to ensure that the CVR exercise is hitch-free.

    “On our part, I want to assure that we are committed to providing regular updates,” he said.

    Speaking,  Mr Muyiwa Yussuf, INEC Head of Department Voter Registration ICT in the state,  said that the process had been made flexible such that prospective applicants could register in registration centres close  to them in each of the LGAs.

    He, however, said that such applicants must arm themselves with requisite information about where they  live and voting location, if  registering outside their LGA.

    Shortly after the conference, INEC also held a meeting with political party stakeholders in the state.

  • Minister reacts as visually-impaired persons block Lagos airport road

    Minister reacts as visually-impaired persons block Lagos airport road

    No fewer than 500 visually-impaired persons, on Monday, blocked the airport road in Lagos, demanding that the Federal Government should prioritise the welfare of people living with disabilities.

    The peaceful protesters were from Farmcraft Center for the Blind. The protest disrupted activities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and caused  gridlock on the roads. Travellers had to walk long distances to catch their flights.

    On behalf of the protesters, a man who identified himself simply as Mr Dolor, said that many blind people had resorted to begging to survive. Dolor said the situation was not suitable.

    He added that the school had been closed since 2023, saying that the visually-impaired needed to draw the government attention to the situation.

    “They are angry that most of them are begging to survive. Now, their own school, unfortunately, has been shut. They have tried their best to make sure the government revives it but all the efforts proved abortive,” he said.

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in a statement, confirmed the protest. FAAN  said that security agencies were working to manage the situation.

    Minister meets with protesting visually-impaired persons

    Meanwhile, the Minister of State for  Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has met with representatives of visually-impaired persons, who staged a peaceful protest in Lagos on Monday demanding prioritisation of their welfare.

    The protesters, who came from Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, had blocked Lagos airport roads, causing much traffic.

    In a message it posted on its X handle, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria  said that normally had returned following the dialogue.

    No fewer than 500 visually-impaired persons blocked airport roads in Lagos, demanding  that the Federal Government  should prioritise welfare of people living with disability.

    The protest disrupted activities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and caused  gridlock on the roads.

    Travellers had to walk long distances to catch their flights.

    On behalf of the protesters, a man who identified himself simply as Mr Dolor, said that many blind people had resorted to begging to survive.

    Dolor said the situation was not suitable.

    He added that the school had been closed since 2023, saying that the visually-impaired needed to draw the government attention to the situation.

  • Police arrest criminals, kidnappers; recover stolen vehicles in Lagos

    Police arrest criminals, kidnappers; recover stolen vehicles in Lagos

    Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have apprehended 68 suspected criminals in one month for offences including armed robbery, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

    The Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, confirmed this while briefing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja on Monday.

    He said the command recovered four vehicles and 17 firearms, including English pistols, a Beretta pistol, an AK-49, locally made pistols and 99 rounds of assorted ammunition.

    Other items recovered were 19 phones, six laptops, tablets and various other exhibits.

    Among those arrested were seven armed robbery suspects who impersonated security personnel.

    “On July 30, detectives attached to the Command Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Surulere, apprehended the suspects aged between 42 and 49, involved in several armed robbery cases,” he said.

    According to him, their crimes included hijacking fuel tankers and terrorising Lagos and neighbouring states.

    “The suspects impersonated security personnel by wearing camouflage uniforms of security agencies,” he added.

    CP Jimoh said the police also arrested two suspects specialising in car theft.

    “On July 17, in the Ogijo area of Ogun, operatives tracked and apprehended a 30-year-old leader of a car-stealing syndicate,” he said.

    The suspects allegedly deceived vehicle owners into employing them as drivers, later absconding with the vehicles, dismantling them, and selling the parts.

    The suspect led operatives to Iba, Lagos, where another member, aged 39, was arrested.

    He further led the team to Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market, where the stolen vehicle had been dismantled and sold as parts.

    The commissioner said a ‘one-chance’ robbery kingpin was also arrested, and a vehicle recovered.

    “On July 18, operatives of Ikeja Division intercepted a commercial minibus along Agege Motor Road after a female commuter raised an alarm,” he said.

    The victim was reportedly pushed out of the moving bus.

    Three suspects, aged 20, 22 and 53, were apprehended.

    A search of the vehicle yielded one Tecno Spark phone, 20 other smartphones, an axe, two interlock bricks, several heavy stones, and a broken bottle.

    These items were suspected to have been used in previous assaults.

    Preliminary investigations revealed the suspects lured victims by posing as commercial transporters and attacking them in isolated locations.

    The police boss added that two suspected robbers were also arrested.

    “On July 22, policemen attached to Ketu Division arrested the suspects, aged 21 and 35, during patrol along Ikorodu Road, Mile 12,” he said.

    He stated that investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be charged to court upon completion.

    Jimoh appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, for providing modern crime-fighting equipment, technology and logistics.

    He also thanked Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for continuous operational support, which had made securing the state much easier.

    Police arrest 6 over Lagos kidnappings

    Operatives of the Police command in Lagos State have detained six suspects for allegedly kidnapping two people.

    The Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, confirmed this to journalists on Monday in Lagos.

    He said the suspects were apprehended for conspiracy and abduction.

    On July 13, one Ayogu Kelvin of Yaba reported that unknown persons abducted his 16-year-old son. They allegedly collected ₦2,000,000, a headset, school bag, and an iPhone 12.

    Based on the report, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted swiftly. They traced and arrested the suspects, aged between 22 and 26 years.

    Similarly, on Aug. 1, police tracked and apprehended a prime suspect in the July 18 abduction of a victim at Ayetoro, Ijanikin.

    The suspect was caught at Ogijo in Ogun. The gang allegedly robbed the victim of ₦5,000,000 during the incident.

    Recovered exhibits include a Toyota RAV4 (Reg. No. KWL 883 DL), one bulletproof vest, two number plates, three POS machines, and two security personnel identity cards.

    A woman, identified as the owner of the account used to receive the crime’s proceeds, was also arrested.

    According to the police boss, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other gang members.

    Police recover 4 stolen vehicles in Lagos

    Operatives of the Police command in Lagos State have recovered four vehicles from suspected armed robbers.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, confirmed this while briefing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja on Monday.

    He said the police apprehended the suspects while acting on credible intelligence.

    Mr Jimoh said an ex-convict was arrested for alleged armed robbery.

    “The suspect snatched an unregistered Toyota Camry, which was found in his possession. During investigation, he confessed to taking it from one of his victims.

    “The car was recovered, and the suspect is assisting the investigation to apprehend fleeing members of his gang,” he said.

    In a related case, the commissioner said police recovered a stolen Lexus from another suspect.

    “A 2021 Lexus hybrid, valued at over ₦75 million and suspected to have been stolen abroad, was about to be sold for ₦60 million without documents.

    “Police arrested the suspect and recovered the vehicle,” he said.

    Jimoh added that a Suzuki mini bus used for ‘one chance’ robbery was recovered, and five suspects were arrested.

    He said a Mercedes-Benz E350 was also recovered from a suspect.

    According to him, all suspects will be charged to court after the investigation concludes.

  • Police detain 4 in Lagos over N500m visa scam

    Police detain 4 in Lagos over N500m visa scam

    The Police Command in Lagos State has detained a syndicate for allegedly defrauding members of the public of N500 million.

    The Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh confirmed this to journalists on Monday in Lagos.

    He said that operatives of Ago-Okota Division on July 16, apprehended the suspects of ages 23, 25, 27 and 36.

    “Following the transfer of a case from Ago-Okota Division, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lagos State Police Command, apprehended the syndicate.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects, staff of an educational consultancy fraudulently obtained over N500 million from more than 100 victims under the false pretense of facilitating Canadian and Australian work visas.

    “The suspects are in police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” he said.

    According to him, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.

  • LASEPA releases air quality index across Lagos

    LASEPA releases air quality index across Lagos

    The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has released the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) readings across the state.

    This is contained in a statement posted by the General Manager, LASEPA, Dr Tunde Ajayi, on his verified X handle.

    The data hihighlighted vrying air quality levels across different parts of Lagos, with Eric Moore, Surulere recording the highest AQI at 37, followed by General Hospital, Ikeja, at 22 and Bariga, Shomolu at 20.

    These areas are classified under the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category, indicating potential risks for individuals with respiratory conditions, the elderly, and young children.

    At the other end of the scale, Victoria Island recorded the cleanest air with an AQI of 9, falling into the “Good” category, followed by Moloney Street at 12 and General Hospital, Gbagada at 13.

    Air Quality Readings – August 11, 2025:

    • Eric Moore, Surulere – 37
    • General Hospital, Ikeja – 22
    • Bariga, Shomolu – 20
    • Igando, Alimosho – 17
    • Akodo – 16
    • Egbeda, Alimosho – 15
    • LASU Road – 15
    • Eti-Osa – 14
    • Lagos Port, Apapa – 14
    • LASEPA, Ikeja – 14
    • Agege – 14
    • General Hospital, Gbagada – 13
    • Moloney Street – 12
    • Victoria Island – 9
  • JUST IN:  Popular Lagos general overseer arrested over illicit drug involvement  [Photos]

    JUST IN: Popular Lagos general overseer arrested over illicit drug involvement [Photos]

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested the founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele (alias Abbas Ajakaiye) for masterminding multiple shipments of illicit drugs into Nigeria.

    The NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday disclosed that Prophet Adefolusho was arrested at his church located in Okun Ajah, Ogombo road, Lekki area of Lagos on Sunday 3rd August 2025 by NDLEA officers who waited for him since morning to conclude the Sunday worship service in the evening before moving in on him the moment he stepped out of the church premises.

    The arrest, according to NDLEA spokesman came after the clergyman evaded arrest twice and fled to Ghana to hide since June when operatives started trailing him following the seizure of two shipments of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis linked to him.

    The first seizure of 200kg of the psychoactive substance was made at Okun Ajah beach on 4th June 2025 while another consignment of 700kg of same substance was recovered from his delivery van on 6th July 2025.

    In his statement, he admitted ferrying the illicit consignments through the waterways from Ghana into Nigeria, adding that he had fled to the West African country to hide after he escaped arrest twice in the recent past.

    The agency’s statement read: “In another operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 7th August raided an apartment at Kishi House 11 Layi Ajayi Bembe street, Parkview Estate Ikoyi where they arrested a suspect Benjamin Udo Ukoh and recovered 32 pouches of Canadian Loud, a strain of Cannabis with a total weight of 15.63kg.

    “In Nasarawa state, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 9th August recovered a large consignment of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 3,093 kilograms from the trio of Emmanuel Asoquo Johnny, 51; Okem Raphael, 33, and Chekwube Odo, 25, at New Karu area of the state.

    “While 29-year-old Nura Yahaya was nabbed at Geza area of Kumbotso Kano State with 639 blocks of skunk weighing 359kg on Friday 8th August, another suspect Umar Adamu Umar, 27,was taken into custody on Wednesday 6th August by NDLEA officers after seizing 9kg of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis from him along Zaria-Kano road, Kano.

    “In another interdiction operation in Kano, 20,000 pills of tramadol and 200 ampoules of diazepam injection were recovered from a suspect Usman Musa, 30, at Gadar Tamburawa along Zaria-Kano road on Friday 8th August.

    “A raid at an uncompleted building located at Tudun Wadan Pantami in Gombe town, Gombe state on Friday 8th August led to the recovery of 550, 266 pills of opioids mainly tramadol while a suspect Usama Isah was arrested. The following day Saturday 9th August, another suspect Ibrahim Adamu, 23, was arrested by NDLEA officers along Potiskum road, Bajoga with 50,000 capsules of tramadol.

    “In Edo state, a white Toyota Hiace bus marked YAB 5522 K coming from Onitsha Anambra and heading to Isanlu in Kogi was Wednesday 6th August intercepted at Ewu junction, Edo by NDLEA operatives who after a search recovered 23, 940 capsules of tramadol, 1,100 tablets of same opioid and 400 ampoules of pentazocine injection with a suspect Taiye Jethro arrested.

    “In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Mind City College, Saki, Oyo; Gwagwarwa Primary School, Nasarawa LGA, Kano; officers of the Nigerian Army 241 Recce Model Battalion, Nguru, Yobe; members of Engine Grinders Association, Gboko, Benue; while the Ekiti state command of NDLEA paid WADA advocacy visit to the Nigerian Correctional Service in Ado Ekiti, just as the Anambra state command of the Agency paid a similar WADA advocacy visit to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

    “While commending the officers and men of the Lagos, Nasarawa, Gombe, Kano, and Edo Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.”

  • No going back on styrofoam ban – Lagos Govt

    No going back on styrofoam ban – Lagos Govt

    The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its stance on the ban of single-use styrofoam, describing the decision as one rooted in public health, environmental sustainability, and scientific evidence and not for political convenience.

    The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab,  disclosed this on his verified X handle on Thursday.

    Wahab said the government acknowledged that the move was initially unpopular, drawing resistance from certain quarters.

    He said the data the government relied on was clear and irrefutable, adding that  styrofoam clogs drainage systems, pollutes water bodies, and enters the food chain, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.

    “Our decision to ban styrofoam was unpopular, but necessary. We stood on irrefutable research: this material clogs drains, contaminates our water, and poisons our food chain. It wasn’t politics — it was public health,” Wahab said.

    He expressed appreciation to Lagosians who have adapted to the new directive by embracing environmentally friendly alternatives.

    He commended their role in reducing the incidence of flooding in the state, especially during the 2025  prolonged rainy season.

    “To every Lagosian who adapted: Thank you. You’ve helped reduce flooding and protect our children’s future,” Wahab said.

    Wahab recognised the contribution of popular comedian @_Taaooma, who used her platform to creatively enlighten the public about the ban and its implications, blending education with humour.

    “Special thanks to @_Taaooma for enlightening us with humour, as always,” he said.

    Wahab emphasised that the success of environmental policies rests on collective responsibility and continued citizen engagement.

    He noted that sustainable urban living is only achievable when both government and citizens work together.

    “A flood-free Lagos is our collective responsibility,” Wahab said.

    The ban on styrofoam and other single-use plastics in Lagos was officially announced in January 2024 following years of advocacy from environmental experts, civil society groups, and community health stakeholders.

    Multiple studies by local and international bodies revealed that discarded styrofoam was one of the biggest culprits of drainage blockage across Lagos.