The Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft have announced a joint initiative to clean up the Apapa axis and promote long-term environmental sustainability in the area.
The collaboration was unveiled during a courtesy visit to Alausa by a delegation from NNS Beecroft, led by Navy Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel.
The visit was part of activities to mark the 69th anniversary of the NNS.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who received the delegation, reiterated the state’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships aimed at protecting the environment.
“Environmental sustainability remains a major focus of this administration. We welcome collaboration from sister agencies such as the Nigerian Navy to address environmental challenges in Apapa, which used to be a prime location in Lagos but has unfortunately deteriorated over time,” Wahab said.
He noted that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI), under the leadership of retired Major Olatubosun Cole, had previously conducted multiple clean-up operations around the Apapa underbridge.
However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including allegations of excessive enforcement, which he said were necessary to maintain order.
Wahab assured the Navy of the state’s full backing for the clean-up, scheduled for Saturday, 24 May 2025, between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., extending from Apapa underbridge to the Marine Beach area.
He added that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) would provide trucks for waste evacuation, while other state teams, such as the Environmental Health and Drainage Maintenance Agency (EFAG) would be deployed to clean and desilt drains.
RECOMMENDED POSTS
The commissioner also revealed plans for the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) to undertake landscaping work under the bridge after the clean-up to ensure long-term beautification and maintenance of the area.
“We are fully committed to this project and look forward to working with the Navy in the interest of Greater Lagos. Our laws must be enforced—without enforcement, we risk becoming a failed state,” Wahab stated.
In his response, Commodore Nimmyel thanked the state government for its support and outlined the Navy’s plans for a comprehensive clean-up.
He said the effort would tackle waste, eliminate the presence of hoodlums and touts, and restore order to the Apapa and Ajegunle corridors.
“This clean-up marks the beginning of a week-long celebration of our anniversary. After the exercise, we intend to engage all relevant stakeholders and agencies to maintain the gains and uphold environmental standards across the Apapa axis,” Nimmyel said.
