The Lagos State Government has recorded strong compliance in the reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise, signalling a successful return after a decade-long suspension.

Officials who monitored the exercise across Lagos on Saturday said residents participated in large numbers, reflecting growing acceptance of the initiative.

The First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the turnout as encouraging, noting that participation levels were impressive for a first edition. She urged residents to maintain cleanliness beyond the exercise and adopt consistent sanitation habits.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said compliance exceeded 98 per cent, attributing the success to voluntary participation and effective grassroots mobilisation.

According to him, the government’s strategy emphasises community ownership rather than strict enforcement, adding that residents are showing increased commitment to environmental cleanliness.

At the local level, authorities credited sustained awareness campaigns for the high turnout. The Executive Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Bola Oladunjoye, said outreach through radio, print media, and community engagement in local languages and Pidgin played a key role.

In Agege, the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, also commended residents, noting visible improvements in street sanitation.

Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, said the initiative complements existing sanitation efforts, including the deployment of street sweepers, waste evacuation, and drainage maintenance.

He added that while compliance remains largely voluntary, enforcement measures will be applied where necessary to sustain progress.

The exercise, held on the last Saturday of every month between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., forms part of broader efforts to improve public health and environmental sustainability across the state.