The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has issued a strong warning to residents against using unregulated cart pushers for waste collection. This statement, released on Saturday via his official X page, highlights the environmental hazards posed by these informal waste collectors, who often contribute to indiscriminate dumping in public spaces.

Wahab's remarks came after a monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the Festac area of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, which saw participation from key figures including Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi Hamzat. The commissioner emphasized that the activities of unregulated cart pushers lead to significant environmental issues, including blockages in drainage systems and increased flooding risks.

In his statement, Wahab noted that the Lagos State government is committed to developing a more efficient and sustainable waste management system. He pointed out that the informal waste collection methods employed by cart pushers undermine these efforts, creating challenges for environmental management and flood control.

Wahab stated, "We must also discourage the patronage of unregulated cart pushers, whose activities often result in indiscriminate dumping on medians, roads and drainage channels, with serious consequences for the environment and flood management."

The commissioner also addressed the relationship between residents' willingness to pay for waste collection services and the quality of service provided by government-approved operators. He mentioned that the ministry's focus is on enhancing the reliability of waste management services to encourage residents to engage with official waste collection systems.

To improve waste management across Lagos, Wahab revealed that the ministry is actively working to tackle challenges at landfills and dumpsites, while also collaborating with Private Sector Participation operators to enhance service delivery. He reiterated the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean environment, stating that while the government will continue to provide leadership and infrastructure, residents must also play their part in proper waste disposal.

"A cleaner Lagos requires a collective effort. Government will continue to provide the leadership, infrastructure and regulation needed, but residents must also take responsibility by properly disposing of their waste and keeping their surroundings clean, not only on sanitation days, but every day," Wahab concluded.

The call to action from the commissioner reflects a growing concern over the environmental impact of unregulated waste collection in Lagos, urging residents to prioritize official waste management services for the benefit of both the community and the environment.