Lagos Taskforce Defends BRT Enforcement, Announces Return of Monthly Sanitation Exercise in April 2026

Lagos Taskforce has defended BRT Enforcement and announced return of monthly sanitation exercise in April 2026.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce), Adetayo Akerele, has defended the agency’s enforcement activities across the state, while announcing the resumption of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise beginning April 2026.

Akerele made this known on Monday during a media parley held at the Multi-Agency Safety Arena in Bolade-Oshodi, Lagos, where he outlined the agency’s first-quarter activities and addressed growing public concerns, particularly around operations on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors.

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He reiterated that the primary mandate of the Taskforce is to ensure that Lagos remains environmentally safe and conducive for residents, noting that this is being achieved through sustained advocacy, public sensitisation, and enforcement drives targeting criminal hideouts, street trading, and environmental violations.

According to him, the agency has intensified raids to dislodge criminal elements, dismantle illegal shanties, curb open defecation, and combat issues such as human trafficking, kidnapping, and quackery through collaborative operations with other security bodies.

Speaking on traffic enforcement, Akerele clarified that the rules guiding the use of BRT corridors were designed for public safety and convenience, stressing that Taskforce interventions are strictly aimed at curbing abuse and maintaining order.

He also addressed allegations made by a social media commentator who accused Taskforce officials of misconduct, including wrongfully seizing a vehicle and engaging in traffic violations. The chairman dismissed the claims as false, stating that investigations confirmed the driver had indeed contravened state traffic laws and was lawfully arrested.

Akerele further alleged that the individual attempted to blackmail the agency after initially misattributing an enforcement operation carried out by another government body to the Taskforce.

“No individual is greater than the state,” he said, warning against attempts to manipulate enforcement processes for personal gain.

The chairman emphasized that the Taskforce would not be deterred by pressure or misinformation, adding that the agency remains committed to restoring sanity across Lagos.

He also disclosed that the state government, under Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would resume the monthly voluntary environmental sanitation exercise from April as part of efforts to improve public health and urban cleanliness.

Akerele reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency and public engagement, encouraging residents to provide constructive feedback while pledging that the Taskforce would continue to uphold its mandate without compromise.