The Lagos State Government has called on residents of coastal communities to embrace responsible environmental practices, improve waste management habits and take collective action to reduce flooding and protect the environment.
The call was made by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, on Wednesday while speaking at the Environmental Education Advocacy Programme held at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nurudeen Olowopopo Drive, Ikeja.
Gaji, who spoke through the Director, Environmental Education Unit, Mrs. Monsurat Banire, noted that flooding and improper waste management remained significant environmental challenges confronting coastal communities, threatening livelihoods, public health and the general well-being of residents.
Highlighting the theme “From Awareness to Action”, Gaji stressed that addressing these challenges required more than awareness campaigns, urging residents and other stakeholders to translate environmental knowledge into practical and sustained action.
He explained that Lagos, as a low-lying coastal state, was particularly vulnerable to flooding, a situation often aggravated by indiscriminate waste disposal, blocked drainage channels and waterways, poor sanitation practices and other human activities that impede the natural flow of water.
According to him, environmental advocacy must go beyond information dissemination to inspire behavioural change, empower residents with practical knowledge and promote a strong sense of shared responsibility for environmental protection.
He urged community members to keep drains and waterways free of waste, reduce the indiscriminate disposal of plastics and other refuse, observe proper sanitation practices and respond appropriately to flood early warnings.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to addressing environmental challenges through sustained investments in drainage rehabilitation, flood mitigation, shoreline protection, waste management and community sensitisation.
He, however, emphasised that government interventions could only achieve lasting results when complemented by responsible actions at the grassroots, noting that community participation remained critical to building resilient and sustainable coastal settlements.
He called on market associations, artisans, community leaders and residents to take ownership of their immediate environment by discouraging indiscriminate dumping, preventing activities that obstruct drainage channels and waterways, and promoting proper waste disposal and sanitation practices.
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