Falana: Lagosians free to move during sanitation exercise

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has said residents of Lagos State are not legally bound by any restriction of movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

 

Falana, in a statement, maintained that Lagosians are free to go about their lawful activities, arguing that no existing law mandates compulsory restriction of movement during the exercise.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, the restriction of movement is voluntary and not compulsory,” he said, adding that available information indicates the state government has not formally reintroduced the enforcement of such restrictions.

 

He, however, encouraged residents to cooperate with authorities by participating in the sanitation exercise, particularly by cleaning their surroundings and supporting officials of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority during waste collection.

 

The senior advocate criticised the reintroduction of movement restrictions, describing it as unconstitutional and a remnant of military-era practices.

 

“The Lagos State Government cannot afford to continue with the military legacy of restricting the movement of citizens,” he said.

 

Falana also noted that the state’s commitment to environmental management is evident in its 2026 budget, which allocates N236 billion to waste management, drainage expansion and environmental protection.

 

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has insisted that the monthly sanitation exercise remains valid and enforceable.

 

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said no court ruling has invalidated the programme, noting that the Court of Appeal affirmed the legality of laws backing its enforcement.

 

“No court pronouncement has invalidated this exercise… The court affirmed that the laws used for the implementation and enforcement of environmental sanitation are legitimate and constitutional,” Wahab stated.

 

He urged residents to disregard contrary claims and fully participate in the exercise, scheduled to hold between 6:30am and 8:30am on Saturday.