October 17, (THEWILL) — The Lagos State Government has warned residents against using public infrastructure for unauthorized activities following the arrest of popular actress Sarah Martins.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) apprehended the actress for violating environmental and sanitation laws.
The statement read, “The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources wishes to address a recent incident in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1, where an individual was apprehended by officials of LAGESC/KAI for engaging in unauthorized activities on public infrastructure.
“The individual in question claimed to be conducting charitable cooking activities on a road median, which unfortunately contravened existing environmental and sanitation regulations.”
Wahab explained that the enforcement, which included the removal of cooking equipment, was part of the ongoing #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos campaigns to protect public spaces and maintain the state’s environmental standards.
“Unauthorized use of public spaces such as road medians for commercial or personal activities poses significant risks, including damage to infrastructure, health hazards, and disruption to traffic flow,” he said.
While acknowledging the spirit of charity behind such initiatives, the government maintained that public safety and environmental protection must remain paramount.
“The Lagos State Government appreciates the philanthropic spirit and community support shown by many residents. However, such initiatives must comply with extant laws to ensure safety, environmental protection, and urban order,” the statement noted.
The ministry urged Lagosians to obtain necessary approvals or use designated areas for similar activities to avoid sanctions.
“The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to fostering a clean, sustainable, and livable city for all residents,” Wahab said.
He further encouraged individuals and organizations engaged in charitable causes to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure compliance and amplify their impact responsibly.
“This collaborative approach will help sustain goodwill while safeguarding our shared urban spaces,” he added.
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