The Lagos State Government has dismissed reports claiming that members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) have been assigned to take over the duties of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) or arrest environmental offenders across the state.
The clarification was made by Tokunbo Wahab in a statement issued on Tuesday, following the circulation of reports and social media posts suggesting that NURTW members had been empowered to serve as “waste police.”
According to Wahab, the recent engagement between the state government and transport unions was never intended to transfer or replace the statutory responsibilities of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI.
He explained that LAGESC, working alongside the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force, remains the legally recognized environmental enforcement body under the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
Wahab noted that the collaboration with transport unions was prompted by persistent environmental challenges within parks, garages, and the public transportation system, including indiscriminate waste disposal and illegal trading activities.
He said the initiative is aimed at encouraging cooperation, shared responsibility, and improved sanitation practices within transport facilities across the state.
“The partnership does not in any way diminish, transfer, or replace the enforcement responsibilities of LAGESC and the Task Force,” Wahab stated.
He added that the collaboration is designed to strengthen environmental compliance, improve sanitation standards, and increase stakeholder participation in keeping Lagos clean.
The commissioner further reassured residents that environmental sanitation remains a key priority for the state government and pledged continued engagement with stakeholders to achieve a cleaner and healthier environment.