The Lagos State Government has defended the actions of officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), following an incident in Lekki involving Nollywood actress Sarah Martins.
Martins, the founder of the Golden Heart Foundation, had on Thursday accused KAI officers of harassment after they stopped her from cooking food for people along a street in Lekki Phase 1.
In videos circulating on social media, the actress appeared visibly distressed and in tears, showing a swollen hand allegedly burned by hot oil spilled during the enforcement exercise.
The footage quickly went viral, sparking widespread reactions from Nigerians. While some condemned what they described as excessive and inhumane treatment by the officials, others defended the task force’s action, insisting that the officers were simply enforcing environmental laws.
Reacting to the controversy on Friday, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the enforcement was justified and carried out in line with existing environmental and sanitation regulations.
According to Wahab, the individual apprehended was engaging in unauthorised activities on public infrastructure by cooking on a road median in the Admiralty area of Lekki — an act that violates the state’s environmental laws.
“While the Lagos State Government deeply appreciates the spirit of philanthropy and community support demonstrated by many residents, such initiatives must be carried out in compliance with the state’s extant laws to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and urban order,” he said in a statement.
Wahab explained that unauthorised use of public spaces such as road medians for commercial or personal activities poses significant risks, including damage to infrastructure, health hazards, and obstruction of traffic.
He added that the enforcement exercise was part of the government’s #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos campaigns, aimed at maintaining a clean, safe, and livable city.
The commissioner further urged residents and organisations engaged in charitable initiatives to liaise with relevant agencies to obtain necessary approvals before embarking on public outreach or philanthropic activities.
“We urge all residents and organizations involved in charitable endeavors to partner with relevant agencies for guidance on compliant practices. This collaborative approach will help amplify the impact of goodwill while safeguarding our shared urban spaces,” Wahab stated.
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