The Lagos State government and the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft base in Apapa have unveiled a collaborative plan to clean up Apapa and its environment and ensure the area’s environmental sustainability.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the NNS Beecroft command, led by Navy Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, to Alausa, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to fostering collaboration for environmental sustainability.

He lamented that Apapa, once an elitist area in Lagos, has deteriorated over time and is now plagued with numerous environmental infractions.

Wahab stressed the importance of stakeholders in the area taking ownership of their environment. He commended the NNS team for their vision to care for the ecosystem and assured them of the government’s support for the initiative.

He mentioned that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps or Kick Against Indiscipline (LAGESC/KAI) squad, led by retired Major Olatubosun Cole, has conducted multiple clean-up exercises around the Apapa under-bridge.

Wahab acknowledged these efforts to maintain order in the area despite criticisms of the government’s approach. He stated that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) would provide logistics, including trucks for waste removal, while the KAI/LAGESC team would be present on the ground. Additionally, the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) would be deployed to clean and desilt the drainages in the area before the scheduled clean-up date.

Wahab added that after the clean-up, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) would explore landscaping options under the bridge to ensure sustainability.

In response, Navy Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel expressed gratitude for the collaboration and announced a clean-up event on Saturday, May 24, 2025, between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., as part of the NNS 69th Anniversary celebration.

The week-long event aims to clear waste, address environmental issues, and engage stakeholders in ensuring the sustainability of the Apapa and Ajegunle areas.