April 25, 2026 | Legal & Public Affairs | SUNTV Global Channel
A heated legal debate has emerged in after prominent human rights lawyer (SAN) condemned the state government’s monthly environmental sanitation restriction, describing it as unlawful and a violation of citizens’ rights.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Adegboruwa criticised the directive that confines residents indoors between 6:30am and 8:30am on the last Saturday of every month, arguing that there is no valid law backing such enforcement.
“There is currently no law in force in Lagos State which permits the government to restrict movement for environmental sanitation,” he stated.
The senior advocate further alleged that the policy is being enforced through intimidation, claiming that security agencies, officials of the (LASTMA), and other operatives are deployed to harass residents found outdoors during the exercise.
He also questioned the state government’s reliance on a purported 2017 health law, insisting that the legislation has not been made publicly available for scrutiny.
Describing the practice as outdated, Adegboruwa argued that a modern megacity like Lagos should adopt more progressive sanitation strategies rather than methods reminiscent of military-era enforcement.
“It is contradictory for a government seeking global relevance to rely on archaic policies that suppress citizens’ freedom,” he added.
The lawyer warned that restricting movement without clear legal backing amounts to an infringement on constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly freedom of movement.
However, the Lagos State Government has defended the sanitation exercise. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, , maintained that residents are expected to clean their surroundings and clear drainage systems during the designated period.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the controversy has reignited discussions on governance, civil liberties, and the balance between public health enforcement and constitutional rights in Nigeria.
