The Lagos State Government (LASG) has urged residents to comply with environmental laws by maintaining a clean environment to curtail pollution.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of the Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji, gave the urge during the environmental Advocacy on Attitudinal Change in Coastal Communities in the state on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Ikorodu.
Gaji was represented at the event by Mrs Monsurat Banire, the Director, Environmental Education Unit (EEU), Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
The theme of the programme was: “From Awareness to Action: Enhancing Coastal Safety Through Environmental Education.”
“Today’s advocacy on attitudinal change in coastal communities strikes the heart of various environmental challenges that directly affect the flora and the fauna.
“It also focuses on targeted response to growing environmental crisis that threatens the coastal ecosystem sustainability.
“Lagos, as a low-lying coastal state, is particularly vulnerable to flooding. With increasing rainfall intensity, rising sea levels, and poor waste disposal habits, the coastal zones are at risk more than ever.
“The impacts are visible, the reality demands urgent, coordinated action/s, not just from government institutions, but from every member of the community, a stakeholder ownership,” he said.
He added that community environmental advocacy goes beyond awareness.
“It inspires behavioural change, empowers communities with practical knowledge, and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.
“It equips residents with knowledge on flood risk management and early warning systems, promoting environmental best practices such as keeping drains clear.
“Lagos State is actively investing in drainage rehabilitation, shoreline protection, and community sensitisation,” he said.
He called on market associations, artisans and residents to discourage indiscriminate waste disposal, avoid building on floodplains, and embrace sustainable sanitation and hygiene practices.
“As we engage in today’s programme, let us move beyond discussions, let’s all walk the talk, imbibe attitudinal change, commit to sustainable actions in our lifestyle, influence others and be a change agent.
“We all have a role to play in flood prevention and coastal communities’ safety. Let this advocacy serve as a catalyst for ongoing grassroots participation, innovation, and accountability,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs Olufunke Olaleye, the Deputy Director, EEU, said flooding had become one of the most pressing challenges facing coastal communities across the globe, noting that Lagos State was not exempted.
According to her, in recent times, Lagos has witnessed an alarming increase in the frequency and severity of flood caused by climate change and human-induced activities.
Olaleye highlighted the human-induced activities as poor waste disposals, unplanned urban development, blockage of drainage channels, and disregard for environmental regulation.
“We have enabled our surveillance visit to several coastal communities across the three senatorial districts across the state.
“This exercise is carried out on partnership with the local government officials and the officials of environment health.
“It enables us to identify and document environmental harmful practice that increase the risk of flooding and environmental degradation,” she said.
Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun, Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Marshal, called for more advocacy, continuous sensitisation, and education.
Olatunbosun said these were aimed at informing the public on the hazard and effect of polluting the environment and depleting the air.
In her remark, Princess Busola Isikalu, Iyaloja General of Ikorodu Division, who was represented by Alhaja Akasoro Hamzat, said a clean environment was fundamental to human existence and good health.
Isikalu urged the public to work together in ensuring that the environment was made clean to reduce imminent diseases.
She promised to continue the advocacy among market men and women in the division.
Also, Elder Ishola Ogunjimi, Chairman, Community Development Committee, called on the Lagos State Government to employ more environmental sanitation officers for enforcement and compliance to curtail environmental pollution.
Ogunjimi also urged the state government to bring back the monthly environmental exercise.
He called on the government to enforce usage of waste bags or dustbins by all houses and promised to continue the advocacy and reporting of human-induced activities to the ministry.
Mr Kayode Olomo, Secretary, Council of Baales in Ikorodu, urged the ministry to create an emergency direct line where they could report environmental issues.
Olomo also enjoined the council to construct more drainage.
By Olaitan Idris