The Lagos State Government has said that its recent engagement with transport unions across the state is not intended to replace the statutory responsibilities of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC).

According to the Commissioner of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, LAGESC, in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force, remains the duly empowered environmental enforcement arm of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

"As we are all aware, several environmental challenges persist within parks, garages, and the public transportation ecosystem, including illegal trading activities and the indiscriminate disposal of refuse on road medians and within transport facilities. The State Government’s engagement with transport unions is aimed at fostering collaboration, promoting shared responsibility, and ensuring improved cleanliness and proper waste management within their respective parks and garages," Wahab said in a statement on Tuesday.

The commissioner pointed out that the partnership does not in any way diminish, transfer, or replace the enforcement responsibilities of LAGESC and the Task Force. He said it complements the initiative designed to strengthen environmental compliance, sanitation standards, and stakeholder participation in maintaining a cleaner environment across the state.

"We therefore wish to reassure all Lagosians that environmental cleanliness remains a top priority of the Lagos State Government. We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and partners in our collective effort to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos," he said.